Devon Trading Standards are warning that this is a time of year when it's particularly easy to fall victim to so-called 'payday loan' companies.
Many people panic after overspending at Christmas.. and turn to what looks like a quick and easy source of cash.
But these companies often charge high interest if the loan isn't repaid immediately - making the financial situation even worse.
Devon's NHS struggling to afford redundancies
Efforts to save a record £256 million are being hampered
Call for Torbay memorial bench price hike review
Bay's charges even outstrip Westminster's
Tamar Tag admin fee to rise by 150 percent
It's a "common misconception" that it's profit making
£60k to connect one home to fibre broadband
Connectivity issues prompts council to lobby for progress
Devon charity recieves money from Ricky Gervais
It's part of a wider £2.5 million donation
Exeter to get 'urgent' solar panels
The council will borrow money to fund them
