A LAWYER has hit out at payday lender Wonga for sending letters from non-existing law firms to customers in arrears.

Anthony Wooding, managing partner of Kerseys, which has an office in Colchester Business Park, said Wonga had acted immorally, but hoped lessons had been learned.

He said: “I come from a profession which is ethical and has very strict safeguards in place.

"To take the law in vain and put pressure on people who are already vulnerable is immoral.”

Wonga has been ordered by the Financial Conduct Authority to pay £2.6million in compensation after it sent letters threatening legal action – but the law firms mentioned in the letters did not exist.

About 45,000 customers were affected. 

Wonga has apologised and said the tactic ended nearly four years ago.