Displaying items by tag: soaring prices

Loan sharks say business has never been so good, but there are huge risks attached to this type of borrowing. One loan shark calls himself an ‘enforcer’- referring to what happens if payments are missed. ‘The car is damaged, house windows and doors are pulled out, and even people get badly beaten.’ He says beatings are rare but admits to breaking legs, smashing teeth or eye sockets, leaving people hospitalised. Nearly all his customers are regulars, paying off debts within two or three months - then they are back a few weeks later. With high inflation demand has soared. He now hears from single mums and families needing smaller amounts of £500 to £1,000 to pay for gas or electricity or for groceries. Interest rates up to 50%, or ‘double bubble’ terms, where the original loan is doubled each month, are often applied. Most clients would accept any terms, out of desperation. Borrowers are usually lower-waged, full-time workers.