Dispatches: Season 2026, Episode 6

2026 - 6: Hunting the Debt Predators

With the cost of living leaving many people struggling to stay afloat, Dispatches meets the everyday people pushed into exploitative and dangerous situations. Last year, almost two million people in Britain turned to illegal money lenders for help. And some are resorting to taking out unregulated loans offered on social media. Reporter Ellie Flynn goes undercover to meet the men exploiting cash-strapped and vulnerable people, uncovering sexual predators who prey on women who are struggling to make ends meet and organised criminals recruiting unknowing victims. She also hears from the people forced into tough choices to pay the bills - from a nurse who has become a 'full-service escort' to a police officer who is postponing thoughts of retirement to work two jobs.