ICO investigating car finance claims spam messages
The Information Commissioner’s Office is investigating five companies suspected of sending 170 million spam car finance claims messages.
The investigation is being carried out in partnership with the Financial Conduct Authority, Advertising Standards Authority and Solicitors Regulation Authority.
The companies, based in Bolton, Burnley, Liverpool, London and Swansea, are suspected of sending the messages to members of the public between September 2025 and May 2026.
The ICO receives upwards of 100,000 complaints a day about unwanted texts related to car finance claims, and has received more than 12 million in total since September last year.
Unwanted messages
Andy Curry, head of investigations at the ICO, said: “People are fed up with being bombarded by unwanted calls, texts and emails about car finance claims, and we’re taking action. This week’s searches send a clear message to the claims management sector: comply with the law or expect to hear from us.
“We are working closely with our taskforce partners to make sure people are properly informed and protected and we will not hesitate to take further action where we find evidence of wrongdoing.”
Alison Walters, director of consumer finance at the FCA, said: “Firms that misuse people’s personal information or use aggressive marketing can cause serious harm and damage trust.
“Through our joint taskforce, we are sharing information and working together to protect consumers and improve standards across the sector. Where we find firms breaking the rules, we will not hesitate to act alongside our regulatory partners.”
