LOAN sharks in Bury looking to make a quick killing on the back of the coronavirus crisis are in the sights of consumer watchdogs.

Town hall officials fear the potential need for quick and ready sources of cash, amid times of hardship, could see rogue moneylenders operate across the borough.

Trading standards officials say they will be working closely with the England Illegal Money Lending Team to ensure loan sharks don't get a foothold locally.

Angela Lomax, the council's head of trading standards and licensing, said: “We know that many people will rightly be worried about struggling in the coming month.

"However trading standards will be supporting the Illegal Money Lending Team when it comes to taking action against unscrupulous profiteers who take advantage of people in difficult times.”

Money lenders require authorisation by the Financial Conduct Authority and must comply with strict guidelines when it comes to offering finance, including proper paperwork and legitimate collection methods.

Those worried about falling victim can go online to www.loansmart.org.uk, or check with Citizens Advice, Money Advice Service and Stepchange.

A Stop Loan Sharks helpline service is still operating on 0300 555 2222.

Anyone wanting to report cases of rogue traders or uninvited doorstep callers should ring the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.