The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has carried out searches at homes and business premises across the UK [1] as part of a major investigation into nuisance marketing linked to the ongoing car finance scandal.

Investigators executed search warrants at properties connected to five organisations in London, Liverpool, Bolton, Burnley and Swansea [2] after receiving millions of complaints about unsolicited text messages promoting car finance claims. Mobile phones, laptops and business records were seized as part of the operation.

The ICO said the investigation relates to businesses suspected of sending large volumes of unlawful marketing messages encouraging consumers to pursue a car finance claim, often without consent.

Millions of Complaints Trigger Investigation

The ICO said more than 12 million complaints about nuisance motor finance marketing had been reported since September 2025 [3]. Investigators believe the businesses being investigated may have sent around 170 million unsolicited text messages over the following eight months [4].

Andy Curry, Head of Investigations at the ICO, said people were increasingly frustrated by persistent marketing messages linked to the motor finance compensation issue [5].

He said the regulator would continue taking action against organisations that ignore privacy laws and target consumers with unwanted marketing.

The ICO stressed that the searches form part of an ongoing investigation and that no conclusions have been reached about the organisations involved.

Growing Interest Has Fuelled Marketing Activity

Interest in car finance compensation has grown significantly since the Financial Conduct Authority announced its proposed redress scheme for certain historic motor finance agreements [6].

As more motorists explore whether they could have been affected by car finance mis-selling, regulators have also seen a rise in aggressive marketing by some businesses attempting to generate enquiries.

The investigation highlights growing concern that public interest in potential car finance claims is being exploited through unsolicited text messages and other forms of direct marketing.

Regulators Continue Wider Crackdown

The ICO said it is working alongside the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Advertising Standards Authority and the Solicitors Regulation Authority to improve standards across the sector [7].

The latest enforcement action follows recent FCA activity targeting misleading financial promotions connected to the FCA car finance compensation scheme, with regulators seeking to ensure consumers receive accurate information about their options.

Interest in the redress scheme has been growing but the proposed scheme itself remains the subject of ongoing legal challenges, making payouts 2026 a diminishing prospect.

Consumers Should Tread Carefully  

The ICO is advising motorists to be wary of unsolicited marketing messages, particularly if they are pressured into acting quickly or giving personal details.

Receiving an unsolicited message about a potential car finance refund does not automatically mean someone is eligible for compensation. Consumers who think they may have been affected by mis-sold car finance should take time to understand the available options before responding to any marketing.

Motorists can complain directly to their lender using the FCA's free complaint template or take the advice of an FCA regulated claims management company or independent legal adviser if they prefer professional help.

What About PCP Claims?

The ICO's investigation is not limited to one type of finance agreement. Many of the marketing messages relate to PCP claims and other forms of motor finance complaints.

Drivers who believe they may have been affected by mis-sold PCP car finance should be wary of unsolicited texts or calls promising guaranteed compensation. Instead, consumers should verify information through trusted sources before deciding whether to make a PCP claim or explore PCP finance claims.

Whether someone is considering a PCP compensation claim, carrying out a car finance refund check or PCP claim check, or simply wants to understand more about an existing PCP car finance agreement, the safest approach is to rely on official guidance rather than unexpected marketing messages.

Investigation Remains Ongoing

The ICO has not identified the organisations under investigation and says enquiries remain ongoing.

The operation marks one of the regulator's largest enforcement actions linked to the car finance scandal to date and reflects increasing scrutiny of businesses seeking to profit from growing public interest in car finance claims and potential car finance compensation.

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References:

1. The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has carried out searches at homes and business premises across the UK - https://ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/media-centre/news-and-blogs/2026/07/multiple-properties-searched-across-uk-after-millions-of-car-finance-complaints/
2. Investigators executed search warrants at properties connected to five organisations in London, Liverpool, Bolton, Burnley and Swansea - https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/jul/30/crackdown-claims-firms-spam-car-finance-scandal-payouts
3. The ICO said more than 12 million complaints about nuisance motor finance marketing had been reported since September 2025 - https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/properties-raided-nuisance-motor-finance-111027221.html
4. Investigators believe the businesses being investigated may have sent around 170 million unsolicited text messages over the following eight months - https://www.motortradenews.com/finance-leasing/ico-searches-properties-following-car-finance-marketing-complaints/
5. Andy Curry, Head of Investigations at the ICO, said people were increasingly frustrated by persistent marketing messages linked to the motor finance compensation issue - https://www.mlex.com/mlex/articles/2507628/uk-businesses-searched-in-car-finance-nuisance-marketing-probe
6. the Financial Conduct Authority announced its proposed redress scheme for certain historic motor finance agreements - https://www.fca.org.uk/publications/policy-statements/ps26-3-motor-finance-consumer-redress-scheme
7. The ICO said it is working alongside the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Advertising Standards Authority and the Solicitors Regulation Authority to improve standards across the sector - https://www.fca.org.uk/news/press-releases/fca-bans-cmcs-misleading-adverts