download the finder app! App

How to avoid loan sharks in Australia

Pro tip: always check if your lender has a credit license listed on the ASIC register before applying.

Avatar
Elizabeth Barry
Updated . What changed?
Fact checked

We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!

It’s a situation that sounds all too familiar to many Australians: you need cash urgently to pay an unexpected bill, but your bad credit history means it’s impossible to get a loan from a mainstream lender. So when a loan shark comes along and agrees to give you fast and easy access to the money you need, you’re ready to grab this lifeline with both hands.

But while borrowing from a loan shark might seem like the perfect short-term solution, it can soon lead to long-term financial pain. Finance from loan sharks comes with some pretty big strings attached, including high interest rates and high fees, so it’s crucial for your financial health that you avoid these lenders at all costs.

Are you struggling financially?


If you're struggling financially and would like to speak to someone for free financial advice, information and assistance you can call the Financial Counsellors hotline on 1800 007 007 (open from 9:30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday). If you are suffering financial problems related to the coronavirus pandemic you may be eligible for additional support.

⚠️ Warning about Borrowing

payday-warningDo you really need a loan today?*

It can be expensive to borrow small amounts of money and borrowing may not solve your money problems.

Check your options before you borrow:

  • For information about other options for managing bills and debts, ring 1800 007 007 from anywhere in Australia to talk to a free and independent financial counsellor
  • Talk to your electricity, gas, phone or water provider to see if you can work out a payment plan
  • If you are on government benefits, ask if you can receive an advance from Centrelink: Phone: 13 17 94

The Government's MoneySmart website shows you how small amount loans work and suggests other options that may help you.

* This statement is an Australian Government requirement under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009.

What is a loan shark?

A loan shark is an illegal lender. When someone has a bad credit history and doesn’t qualify for financing from a reputable bank or lender, they may turn to an unlicensed lender for help. But while the loan shark offers might seem okay on the surface, it will usually come with an exorbitant interest rate and hidden fees that can end up costing you a whole lot of money.

The term “shark” refers to the predatory nature of these types of lenders, who prey on vulnerable borrowers when they are desperate for money but can’t get financing from a legitimate lender. Low-income families, people on Centrelink and people with limited education often make prime targets for loan sharks.

A 2011 study conducted by the Centre for Social Impact at the University of NSW found that more than 15% of Australian adults have limited or no access to basic financial services such as a transaction account, a credit card or insurance. It’s this sort of exclusion from mainstream financial services that makes them easy prey for loan sharks.

While most people might expect to find a loan shark’s office down a dark alley in a seedy part of town, in the modern world many of these unscrupulous lenders ply their trade on the Internet.

How can you tell a loan shark from a legit lender?

Sometimes it can be hard to tell whether a lender is completely above board or not, especially when applying for a loan online. So what sets a loan shark apart from a legitimate lender? There are a few key telltale signs to keep an eye out for.

A legitimate lender will be properly licensed to offer credit under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009, which also requires those lenders to comply with responsible lending requirements. When considering a loan from a lender, check to see whether the lender has a credit license listed on the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) register. A loan shark will not be, so if they can’t or won’t show you a credit licence then you should look elsewhere.

Loans from loan sharks are also typically characterised by a few key features. One of these is much more relaxed borrowing criteria than the restrictions imposed by major lenders, with finance for borrowers with bad credit a big selling point. Another is fast and easy access to funds, with applications typically processed online and money available within a very short space of time, sometimes as little as an hour. To a desperate borrower with bad credit and an urgent need for cash, these features can make financing from a loan shark seem like an attractive deal.

loan sharks

What happens if you borrow from a loan shark?

If you borrow from a loan shark, you should expect severe financial consequences. While in the short-term you’ll enjoy the relief of getting the money you need, if you miss repayments then the amount you owe is likely to rapidly increase. By taking advantage of desperate borrowers, loan sharks can impose high interest rates on people that have little choice but to accept the rate on offer.

Fees and charges pose another major problem. Some lenders will charge a flat fee equal to a certain percentage of the amount you borrow and are likely to charge you with further fees if you don’t keep pace with the repayment schedule outlined in your contract. If you don’t pay the loan off in time, you could be charged a fee for every day the account is overdue. Monthly account-keeping fees and a range of other hidden charges may also apply, all of which can lead you deeper and deeper into debt.

And being in debt to a loan shark is not a good place to be. From repossessing your personal items to violence and intimidation, loan sharks may resort to all manner of illegal methods to recoup any money you owe.

What other financial help is available?

If you need help with your finances, you don’t need to turn to a loan shark to get the assistance you need. A good place to start is the National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007), a free nationwide hotline to help people struggling with debt access expert advice.

They will put you in touch with a free financial counselling service in your state. Financial counsellors offer independent and confidential advice on ways you can improve your financial situation and bring your debt under control. They can help you negotiate new repayment arrangements with your creditors as well as work out a budget to organise your finances.

You can also search for a financial counsellor near you on ASIC’s MoneySmart website.

Payday loan alternatives

Compare a range of legitimate short-term loans

Data updated regularly
Name Product Maximum loan amount Term of Loan Turnaround time Arrears Fee Costs Fortnightly Repayment (for $1500 Loan)
Jacaranda Finance Personal Loan
Jacaranda Finance Personal Loan
$10,000
9 to 24 months
Under 1 hour - conditions apply
$35
$0 - $1,000 depending on credit
Borrow up to $10,000 and get access to your funds in as little as 1 hour.
Go to site
More Info
Sunshine Short Term Loans
Sunshine Short Term Loans
$2,000
9-14 weeks
30 minutes - conditions apply
$35
20% of loan amount + 4% of loan amount each month
$396
A small loan up to $2,000 that you repay over 9-14 weeks. Loans approved and funded in as little as 30 minutes. Centrelink must not be your primary income
Go to site
More Info
Fair Go Finance Small Loan
Fair Go Finance Small Loan
$2,000
1 to 12 months
24 to 48 hours
$35
Establishment Fee of $18 – $400
$354
A small loan between $300 and $2,000 that can be funded in 24 hours.
Go to site
More Info
Credit24 Short Term Loan
Credit24 Short Term Loan
$2,000
4-12 months
Same day - conditions apply
$10
20% of loan amount establishment fee + 4% of loan amount monthly.
$396
Credit24 offers this loan up to $2,000 and gives you 12 months to repay. Centrelink borrowers are considered as long as Centrelink payments are not more than 50% of income.
Go to site
More Info
Nimble Short Term Loan
Nimble Short Term Loan
$2,000
62 days to 9 months
1 hour - conditions apply
$15
20% of loan amount + 4% of loan amount each month
$372
A loan up to $2,000 with terms up to 62 days to 9 months. Centrelink cannot be your primary source of income.
Go to site
More Info
Safe Financial Small Loan
Safe Financial Small Loan
$5,000
22 - 52 weeks
Same day - conditions apply
$35
Up to $2,000 - 20% establishment fee + 4% monthly.

Above $2,000 - $400 + loan management fee of up to $399 + from 8.7% to 48% APR
$396
Borrow from $1,000 to $5,000 with same-day funding and no early repayment fees.
Go to site
More Info
Ferratum Cash Loans
Ferratum Cash Loans
$1,900
3 to 12 months
Same day - conditions apply
$55
20% of borrowed amount + 4% of borrowed amount each month
$396
Borrow what you need with loans starting from $500 and approval in minutes.
Go to site
More Info
loading

Compare up to 4 providers

Pictures: Shutterstock

More guides on Finder

Ask an Expert

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy and Privacy & Cookies Policy.
Go to site