Consumer Affairs Minister Gareth Thomas said:
"The team has 10 investigations underway into loan sharks. The total value of the loans being looked into is about £200,000. The investigations are progressing well and have already led to prosecutions and charges being brought, with more activity expected over the coming months.
"This team is working around the clock to ensure that the credit crunch doesn't drive people from Yorkshire and Humber into the murky world of illegal money lenders."
The team can be contacted in complete confidence 24 hours a day on 0300 555 22 22.
