The Information Commissioner’s Office has searched residential and business properties across the UK as a part of an investigation into firms suspected of sending 170 million automotive finance claims marketing messages.
Search warrants were executed at properties in Bolton, Burnley, Liverpool, London and Swansea on July 29.
The properties were linked to 5 firms which are now subject to ongoing investigations by the wathdog.
The businesses are suspected of sending a combined 170 million text messages to members of the general public between September 2025 and May 2026.
Greater than 12 million complaints about unwanted marketing text messages linked to automotive finance claims have been submitted by the general public since September 2025, with the ICO receiving as much as 100,000 complaints a day.
170m texts under investigation
The motion forms a part of a joint regulatory taskforce involving the ICO, Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Promoting Standards Authority (ASA) and Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to handle the handling and marketing of motor finance claims by lead generators, claims management firms and law firms.
Andy Curry, head of investigations on the ICO, said: “Persons are fed up with being bombarded by unwanted calls, texts and emails about automotive finance claims, and we’re taking motion. This week’s searches send a transparent message to the claims management sector: comply with the law or expect to listen to from us.
“We’re working closely with our taskforce partners to make certain persons are properly informed and guarded and we won’t hesitate to take further motion where we discover evidence of wrongdoing.”
Alison Walters, director of consumer finance on the FCA, said: “Firms that misuse people’s personal information or use aggressive marketing could cause serious harm and damage trust.
“Through our joint taskforce, we’re sharing information and dealing together to guard consumers and improve standards across the sector. Where we discover firms breaking the foundations, we won’t hesitate to act alongside our regulatory partners.”
Regulators goal claims marketing
The ICO has urged firms operating within the claims management sector to make sure their marketing complies with the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations.
This includes lead generators and law firms answerable for initiating direct marketing campaigns.
The info protection regulator can apply to a court for warrants to look properties during investigations and seize evidence including mobile phones, laptops and SIM farms.
The ICO has not identified the five firms connected to the newest searches and said it was unable to comment further while its investigations continued.
Separate work by the FCA has resulted in greater than 1,220 misleading advertisements being removed or amended since January 2024.
The FCA has also agreed voluntary requirements with 12 firms to stop or change their marketing activities. Greater than 28,000 consumers have been allowed to exit contracts at no cost, while three claims management firms have reduced fees affecting greater than 500,000 consumers.
The FCA has confirmed separate enforcement investigations into The Claims Protection Agency Limited and Consultation Claims Limited.
Consumers receiving unwanted calls or text messages about automotive finance claims are being encouraged to register with the Telephone Preference Service and report the marketing to the ICO. Unsolicited text messages can be forwarded to 7726.
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This Article First Appeared At www.am-online.com
