You might get a call, text, or email about a PCP claim. It may talk about quick payouts or make big promises. This happens to a lot of people.

The car finance scandal in the UK has been in the news for a while. Scammers use that attention to their advantage. They know drivers want straight answers and a bit of reassurance.

Many of these messages target people who may qualify for PCP claims in the UK. Others focus on people who have searched online for help with a car finance claim but have not yet made a complaint.

The hard part is that these messages can initially seem comforting. They employ familiar terminology in news coverage, cite the PCP mis-selling scandal, and reference compensation in a way that seems plausible. They also create urgency. You may think you have to respond now. They usually want you to give away private information or charge fees that a real provider would never ask for upfront.

Not all scams involve anonymous callers either. Some scammers pose as claims experts. Others set up fake or misleading claims management companies. They might have polished websites, official sounding language and reviews that look convincing until you dig a little deeper.

This guide explains how PCP claims scams tend to operate in 2026. It sets out the warning signs to watch for and practical ways to stay safe while exploring legitimate car finance claims linked to mis-sold car finance and wider car finance mis-selling.

Why PCP claim scams are increasing in 2026

The scale of the car finance scandal has created an opening for fraudsters, simply because so many people are looking for answers at the same time.

Many drivers are trying to work out whether they have a valid car finance claim, but they are not always starting from a clear position. Paperwork may be missing. Details may be unclear. The agreement may have been signed years ago, and life has moved on since then. Even where someone may be eligible for PCP claims UK, it is common to feel unsure about what happens next, how long things take, or what a realistic outcome looks like.

Scammers step into that uncertainty and present something that sounds like relief. They might talk about a guaranteed result. They might promise a fast payout. They might say the claim is “pre approved” and only needs one quick confirmation. When you feel uncertain, certainty can sound tempting.

They understand that real claims take time. Real car finance claims usually involve formal complaints, evidence checks and regulator updates. The slower pace may leave people stuck especially while waiting for a response. Scammers apply pressure using that frustration. It might seem like help right now, but it's usually designed to rush you into making a rushed decision.

Current scam trends targeting PCP claimants

In 2026, many car finance scam calls follow a similar script. The details may change, but the approach is often familiar once you have seen it.

Some scammers claim they are working with regulators. Others say they are calling on behalf of your lender. Some present themselves as part of a claims management company. Others impersonate real firms or borrow well known consumer brand names to sound official.

Common examples include:

• Cold calls telling you that you are “eligible” and need to confirm details.
• Texts claiming your PCP claim has already been approved and is ready to be paid.
• Emails asking you to click a link to “release” compensation or confirm your identity.
• Social media messages offering to manage car finance claims for an upfront fee.

If you did not request contact, treat it as a warning sign. A legitimate provider does not need to chase you through unsolicited messages.

Red flags in unsolicited calls and messages

Most scams follow a recognisable pattern. If you spot one of these signs, it is worth slowing down before doing anything else.

A scam caller may promise guaranteed compensation or a guaranteed payout. They may claim your lender has already admitted fault, even though you have never heard this directly from your lender. Urgency is another common feature. You might be told you must act today or you will miss out.

Being asked to pay upfront is another clear warning sign. This is especially true if they ask for card details or bank information early on.

Many scams avoid putting anything clear in writing. Some share vague contact details instead of a real address or a company number you can check.

You may also be asked to confirm personal details you did not offer first. This can include your date of birth or banking information.

A genuine PCP claim cannot be guaranteed. A legitimate car finance claim depends on records, evidence, and the process that applies at the time [1]. When someone offers certainty and speed, it is often a sign that they are applying pressure rather than offering proper help.

How scammers get your basic details

It can feel unsettling when a caller already knows your name, postcode, car model, or lender. It is easy to assume that level of detail means the call is legitimate, but that is not the case.

That information can come from many sources. It may be linked to data leaks, scraped datasets, or purchased marketing lists. In some situations, scammers collect details through fake forms that closely resemble legitimate websites. In others, they piece information together from social media posts where people talk openly about their PCP claims UK experience.

Having some correct information only shows that someone accessed basic data. Scammers use that knowledge to sound credible and lower your guard, then try to obtain what they are really after. This might include identity documents, banking details, card payments, or a fee paid quickly before you have time to think things through.

Scam claims management companies and how they operate

Some of the most damaging scams are the ones that look professional at first glance. They are designed to resemble real claims businesses [2], which is why they can be difficult to spot straight away.

A scam claims management company may have a polished website and a reassuring name. The branding can look credible and the language may sound official. They might describe themselves as “regulated” or “authorised” without clearly explaining who regulates them or offering an easy way for you to check. Some go further by using fake reviews, copied testimonials, or wording taken from genuine firms to build trust quickly.

Once you get involved with them the warning signs get stronger. They may speak confidently about the guaranteed payout on PCP claims, although nothing is guaranteed. They might charge fees up front to "secure" your claim before they explain what happens next. Some of them ask for identity documents early before you know who they are, how your case would be handled, or how your personal data would be protected. Depending on how you wait or ask for time to verify their details, the pressure may increase with repeated calls or messages. Some even discourage you from checking their authorisation or calling someone else, which is a strong warning sign.

A legitimate claims business will not behave in this way. They will give you time to think, encourage you to verify their details, and avoid making promises they cannot support.

What a legitimate service will never say or request

One of the easiest ways to protect yourself is to understand what reputable providers simply do not do.

No real service can promise a payout, no matter how confident someone sounds. They will not claim to act on behalf of the FCA or suggest they represent it. They also will not ask for money before explaining who they are, how they work and what support they provide.

You should not be pressured to make a decision during a first call. Genuine providers understand that drivers need time to think and to check details. They will also not ask for sensitive personal information, such as bank details or identity documents, without a clear reason and a secure process.

If a caller crosses any of these lines, treat it as a PCP claim scam warning and end the conversation.

If you want a clearer picture of how legitimate compensation discussions work, it can help to read Understanding the FCA’s Motor Finance Compensation Proposal. It gives useful context on why real outcomes take time and why genuine claims are never guaranteed.

How to verify a company is authorised

If you are considering speaking to a provider, take a moment to verify them first. A few simple checks can prevent bigger problems later.

• Start with the Financial Conduct Authority register and confirm the firm’s name and status.
• Check the registered address and company number.
• Look for independent reviews from trusted sources, not just testimonials on the company’s own site.
• Be cautious of firms that only communicate by phone or text and avoid written detail.
• Watch for lookalike domains that mimic real brands with small spelling changes.

If a company cannot be verified independently, do not proceed. If they resist checks or discourage verification, treat it as a warning sign.

For a clearer sense of what proper support looks like, read The Role of Finance Claims Experts in Car Finance Claims. It explains how legitimate services tend to operate and what responsible providers avoid saying.

What to do after receiving a suspicious message

If something feels wrong, trust that instinct. You do not need to justify your decision to the sender.

• Do not reply or click links.
• Do not share personal or financial information.
• Take a screenshot of the message or note the number.
• Block the sender and report the number to your phone provider if possible.
• If the message arrived by email, report it as phishing.

If a caller claims you already submitted a complaint or that your lender is “waiting,” treat it as a tactic. Legitimate lenders and legitimate services do not chase people through unsolicited contact.

If you are waiting for an update and your concern is that nothing has been acknowledged, you will get more value from safe next steps than from replying to unknown contacts. What to Do If Your Lender Doesn’t Acknowledge Your PCP Complaint explains what you can do without putting your personal information at risk.

Practical steps to avoid PCP scams while pursuing a real claim

If you want a simple rule set for 2026, these steps help most people stay safe.

• Only respond to firms you reached out to first.
• Be wary of anything framed as guaranteed.
• Ask for registered company details before sharing your information.
• Keep things in writing whenever you can.
• Take a moment before acting. A genuine firm will not pressure you.

These steps apply whether you are starting a PCP claim, exploring PCP claims, or looking into broader car finance claims linked to mis-sold car finance and wider car finance mis-selling.

A calm reminder for drivers in 2026

The rise in scams does not mean real PCP claims UK are unsafe. It means public awareness has increased, and scammers follow attention.

Take your time. Be sceptical of certainty. Stick to providers you can verify. Legitimate car finance claims do not rely on pressure, secrecy, or surprise contact.

Staying informed is one of the most effective ways to avoid PCP scam tactics, recognise car finance scam calls, and protect yourself while navigating the wider car finance scandal UK.

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References:

1. A legitimate car finance claim depends on records, evidence, and the process that applies at the time - https://www.fca.org.uk/news/press-releases/14m-unfair-motor-loans-compensation-proposed-scheme
2. They are designed to resemble real claims businesses - https://www.fca.org.uk/news/press-releases/fca-opens-investigation-claims-management-company