<p>The limited access to mainstream financial services and the loss of choice in isolated areas have driven many to borrow from unscrupulous lenders, the council&#0039;s research shows. <br /><br />Groups most at risk include the elderly and students, who often find their application for credit rejected by larger lenders. A lack of personal finance education has been identified as a key factor in the cause of these problems. <br /><br />Cited in EDP24.co.uk, the Citizens Advice Bureau said: Problems of financial literacy, lack of understanding and the reluctance of independent financial advisers to give advice to the lower income groups causes problems.<br /><br />The report warned for a solution as research indicated that debt-related stress could potentially lead to a lower performance or absence at work, or even criminality.</p>