The Information Commissioner’s Office has searched residential and business properties across the UK as part of an investigation into companies suspected of sending 170 million car 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 five companies that are now subject to ongoing investigations by the wathdog.
The companies are suspected of sending a combined 170 million text messages to members of the public between September 2025 and May 2026.
More than 12 million complaints about unwanted marketing text messages linked to car finance claims have been submitted by the public since September 2025, with the ICO receiving up to 100,000 complaints a day.
170m texts under investigation
The action forms part of a joint regulatory taskforce involving the ICO, Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to address the handling and marketing of motor finance claims by lead generators, claims management companies and law firms.
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.”
Regulators target claims marketing
The ICO has urged companies operating in the claims management sector to ensure their marketing complies with the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations.
This includes lead generators and law firms responsible for initiating direct marketing campaigns.
The data protection regulator can apply to a court for warrants to search properties during investigations and seize evidence including mobile phones, laptops and SIM farms.
The ICO has not identified the five companies connected to the latest searches and said it was unable to comment further while its investigations continued.
Separate work by the FCA has resulted in more 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. More than 28,000 consumers have been allowed to exit contracts without charge, while three claims management companies have reduced fees affecting more 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 car finance claims are being encouraged to register with the Telephone Preference Service and report the marketing to the ICO. Unsolicited text messages can also be forwarded to 7726.
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