A dispute resolution service for complaints against lenders says it's surprising more people aren't coming to them for help with loan sharks.
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Financial Services Complaints chief executive Susan Taylor said there had been a 15 percent increase in the overall number of complaints made this year.
But she was surprised how few of them have been against loan sharks and other third-tier lenders.
That was despite the problems they were apparently causing in the community, Ms Taylor said.
"And we're just not seeing them and that concerns us because anecdotally we hear there are problems out there.
"If people came to us then we would be able to investigate and hopefully resolve the matter for them."
Where lenders were found to have acted illegally or irresponsibly, compensation of up to $200,000 for direct losses could be awarded to the borrower.
There could also be compensation for stress caused.
It was free for someone to lay a complaint with the service.
But Ms Taylor said some people could be put off, because they were worried about extra stress being caused, or that their line of credit could disappear.
Most complaints were resolved within six to eight weeks.
Ms Taylor said they also worked with the Commerce Commission in cases where tougher regulatory action against a lender could be warranted.
All non-bank lenders and financial services have to be part of an independent dispute resolution service.
Financial Services Complaints deals with about 200 such lenders.
