Welfare advisers in Bath say they have been inundated with debt problems linked to payday loans.
The workload of the Bath and North East Somerset Citizen's Advice Bureau mirrors a national tenfold rise in payday loan debt cases being seen by the charity over the last four years.
Now the CAB is calling on people who have taken out such loans to tide them over a temporary cash crisis to take part in a national year-long online survey.
The survey, which will help the charity monitor whether payday lenders are sticking to their self-regulating charter, is on www.adviceguide.org.uk/dialogue_payday_loan_survey.
People taking part will also be able to fill in template letters to tell their loan company of their situation and be able to outline their experience of taking out a payday loan.
Bath CAB manager Jan Westrope said: "We want our clients to help us hold payday lenders to account. For too many people, payday loans are a fast but dangerous way to borrow money. Quick cash payouts can have damaging long-term consequences.
"We've seen problems relating to payday loans rise significantly over the last four years and we're worried that this will only increase as more people feel the squeeze. We strongly urge anyone experiencing difficulties with a payday loan or thinking of taking one out to visit their local bureau and get advice about alternatives.
"We can advise you on which debts to prioritise and your right to stop payday lenders taking money straight out of your bank account, as well as helping negotiate an affordable repayment plan with the lender on your behalf."
To get help, ring 0844 848 7919 or go to www.citizensadvice.org.uk.
