Of course, even where a is recognised as a suitable option to alleviate financial situation, there are often suitable products available from reputable providers such as , negating the need to go to loan sharks at all.

Sadly however, consumers often believe that their situation is so dire that no-one but the loan sharks will help, but again, reputable loan providers often have solutions even for borrowers with due to having CCJs, defaults or mortgage arrears and even bankruptcy orders, more information on this is available at at www.theloanhelper.co.uk

The Minister, who will open a new London office for the Money Advice Trust (MAT), which runs National Debtline, claimed that many people were unaware that free, impartial support was just a call away 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."

The Minister, who recently visited Illegal Money Lending Teams investigating loan sharks in Birmingham and Glasgow, said:

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

Often it feels like there is no alternative than to turn to loan sharks but many people don't realise that debt advice and information is available for free. National Debtline is there to help."

National Debtline's advice includes contacting lenders without delay to discuss your situation, and not to abandon attempts to reach an agreement concerning repayment terms even if creditors are difficult.

The Department of Trade and Industry supports the many aspects of MAT's activities; in particular, by providing £1million annually to National Debtline.

The Government is also providing £47,500,000 in a two-year programme to fund face to face debt advice, helping tackle debt for tens of thousands of individuals.

This funding will pay for over five hundred new debt advisers to help people get their finances in order, and will fulfil the Government's commitment to achieve a step change in the availability of debt advice.

As part of the Face-to-Face Debt Advice project, funded by the Financial Inclusion Fund, the Money Advice Trust is providing training for a large number of the advisers due to be recruited over the next two years.

Consumers can call National Debtline, on 0808 808 4000.