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We've joined forces with Bolton University, Bolton Council, The England Illegal Money Lending Team and Greater Manchester Police to tackle illegal money lending.

As part of the campaign, 32 graphic design students at the university have been asked to design posters to raise awareness of loan sharks and reassure the community that help is available.

Their artwork will be showcased at Bolton Central Library during Loan Shark Awareness Week, which runs from today (Monday November 30) until Friday December 4.

You can visit the library throughout the week to see the designs and vote for your favourite.

The winning poster will be used across the UK to reassure people that help is available to rid communities of loan sharks, and encourage individuals to speak out and report crime if they've been affected.

Samantha Marshall, our Financial Inclusion Project Officer, said: “Predatory lending is a serious crime which can have devastating effects. Loan sharks often target vulnerable people who are struggling to access credit, and the loans are often for everyday expenses such as bills and food, or for unexpected expenditure like repairs.

“It’s important to highlight the dangers of illegal money lending as it usually leads to people getting into even greater debt and financial difficulty, as well as the other problems which can follow such as threats of violence and links to crime.

“We want to make sure people are aware of where to go for support and encourage anyone who is a victim to report it as soon as possible.”

Useful information will be shared on social media all week, including how to spot the signs of loan sharking and where to access support from safe and ethical alternatives such as Hoot, Bolton’s credit union.

You can follow the national campaign on Twitter, using the hashtag #Standuptoloansharks, or visit the the Stop loan sharks project page on Facebook, where you can read and watch victims' stories.

According to statistics, an estimated 310,000 households are borrowing from illegal money lenders and the highest interest seen by a loan shark was 131,000 per cent APR.

Tony Quigley, Head of England's Illegal Money Lending Team, said: "We're very pleased that Bolton University students have come on board with this project and look forward to seeing the fruits of their labour. We know people are afraid to speak out but we have a track record of supporting people and arresting loan sharks that speaks for itself. We hope these posters will give people the confidence to get in touch so we can tell them what help is available."

Councillor Derek Burrows, Bolton Council Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Neighbourhood Services said: “Loan sharks target the most vulnerable people in our communities. We're delighted to lend our support to this campaign and hope it encourages more people in Bolton to come forward and report it, if they've been the victims of a loan shark.”

The events of Loan Shark Awareness Week will culminate with the announcement of the winning poster on Friday December 4.

Information is available and loan sharks can be reported 24 hours a day seven days a week by calling 0300 555 2222. You can also text ‘loan shark + your message’ to 60003, email reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk or send a private message to the Facebook page www.facebook.com/stoploansharksproject