The Information Commissioner’s Office has executed multiple search warrants across the UK as part of the joint regulatory taskforce crack down on suspected nuisance marketing linked to car finance mis-selling claims.
More than 12 million complaints about nuisance marketing text messages have been submitted by the public since September 2025, with up to 100,000 received per day.
The ICO is working alongside the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to tackle poor handling of motor finance claims connected to the mis-selling scheme.
The warrants targeted a mix of residential and business premises linked to five companies across Bolton, Burnley, Liverpool, London and Swansea.
The companies are subject to ongoing investigations, believed to be responsible for sending a combined 170 million text messages to members of the public between September 2025 and May 2026.
ICO head of investigations Andy Curry 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.”
FCA director of consumer finance Alison Walters added: “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.”
The raids follow the launch of a new FCA marketing campaign that encourages consumers to make their motor finance claim directly using the FCA’s free tools, while giving them the confidence to navigate the process themselves.
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