This story is by Ruth Taylor, a volunteer for Hampshire Search and Rescue. Ruth’s story “A Misunderstanding?” is about a pensioner who has fallen victim to a loan shark in her community. 

It is easy to fall into the grip of a loan shark as they are often very friendly at first. They may offer to shop for you, post parcels or call in regularly for a chat but will quickly turn nasty if you fall behind on repayments.  

To report a loan shark call the Stop Loan Sharks 24 hour helpline on 0300 555 2222 or visit www.stoploansharks.co.uk.