X Ah Long Website
- http://www.spf.gov.sg/ahlong/index.html
Dealing with loansharks
The best advice to deal with loansharks is to not deal with them
at all.
Never borrow from loansharks; any short term solution this seems
to provide will be overshadowed by the unceasing harassments for
payments, even after the full sum is paid;
Never be a guarantor to any illegal loans;
Do not lend your NRIC to another person;
Do not gamble excessively & seek help if you are a
compulsive gambler;
The public is advised to urge their friends and relatives not to
borrow from illegal lenders but seek help through legal means of
financial assistance such as credit counselling helplines and
financial management professionals.
Borrowing from loansharks will result in dire consequences, some
of which may include:
Family/loved-ones suffering from the trauma and embarrassment
caused by loanshark harassment;
Never be a guarantor to any illegal loans; Indiscriminate
borrowing and subsequent harassment may affect ties between
family/love-ones;
Innocent neighbours bearing the brunt of harassment;
High exorbitant interest rates charged by the loansharks cause
debtors to further spiral into debt and thus there is no way out
for them, with many turning to a life of crime by working for the
loansharks;
Members of the public who require help on gambling addiction and
financial counselling may call the following agencies for
assistance:
Credit Counselling Singapore at 1800-225 5227 (9am to 6pm from
Mondays to Friday) or
email [email protected]
National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) at 1800-6-668-668
or
visit the website (www.ncpg.org.sg)
National Addictions Management Service (NAMS), Institute of
Mental Health (IMH) at their All Addictions Helpline: 6 - RECOVER
(6732 6837) (Mon - Fri, 8.30am - 6.00pm) or
visit the website www.nams.org.sg
Tanjong Pagar Family Service Centre (FSC) (designated centre for
family and debt counselling services for problem gamblers and their
loved ones) at contact no: 6593 6489.
To contact a FSC, call the ComCare Hotline at 1800-222-0000
WE CARE Community Services at 6471-5346,
email: [email protected] or
visit the website www.wecare.org.sg
Members of the public who are going through a difficult time and
require counselling may call the following agency for
assistance:
The Samaritans of Singapore at 1800-221-4444 (24 Hours
Daily)