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Consumer minister Ian McCartney has urged borrowers to take advantage of free debt advice services before resorting to dealing with loan sharks.

The minister, who is due to open a new London office for the Money Advice Trust, which runs National Debtline, says many people don’t realise that free, impartial support is at hand to help them avoid debt problems.

‘My advice to people struggling with debt is to pick up the phone - there are people who can help you find a solution and avoid the sharks,’ advises McCartney.

‘Loan sharks are lowlifes whose primary purpose is to rip you off. Many of them will resort to intimidation and violence to take money from the most vulnerable in our communities, who know of no other borrowing options,’ he adds.

National Debtline's advice includes getting in touch with lenders to explain your difficulties and to try to reach an agreement on repayment terms even if creditors are pushing for payment. You can also use a suite of sample letters to write to your creditors and access a library of factsheets.

For free, confidential and independent advice on how to deal with debt problems call National Debtline on 0808 808 4000.

Alternatively, visit the Debtline website to use the personal budget section to assess the repayments you can afford or to download an information pack.