ICO Raids Properties in Nuisance Text Message Probe

Britain's data protection regulator, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), conducted search warrants on Wednesday at premises across the UK. These actions targeted properties associated with five companies believed to be responsible for distributing 170 million unsolicited text messages concerning car finance mis-selling claims.

The ICO stated that the search warrants were executed at both residential and business locations in Bolton, Burnley, Liverpool, London, and Swansea. This operation forms part of a wider effort to combat persistent nuisance marketing.

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Volume of Complaints

The raids follow a significant surge in complaints. Since September 2024, the ICO has received more than 12 million complaints specifically about nuisance text messages related to motor finance. At times, the ICO has been receiving up to 100,000 such complaints daily.

The five companies under investigation, whose identities have not been disclosed by the ICO, are suspected of sending a combined total of 170 million text messages between September 2025 and May of this year. The messages are believed to be related to claims management for car finance mis-selling.

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Regulatory Collaboration

The ICO is working in partnership with other regulatory bodies, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), and the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). This collaboration aims to tackle issues surrounding the poor handling of car finance mis-selling claims. The FCA has been developing a scheme to compensate individuals affected by hidden or unfair commissions in motor finance deals, but this redress scheme has recently been halted due to legal challenges, as reported by The Standard.

Regulators are focused on eradicating poor practices in claims handling and marketing within the car finance sector, while also issuing warnings about potential fraud. The FCA has reported that over 1,220 misleading advertisements concerning car finance claims have been removed or amended since January 2024, following regulatory action. The FCA has also secured voluntary agreements with 12 firms, compelling them to cease or modify their marketing activities.

“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.”

Andy Curry, head of investigations at the ICO

Andy Curry, head of investigations at the ICO, stated that the recent searches send a clear message to the claims management sector. He added that the ICO is working with its taskforce partners to ensure people are properly informed and protected, and that further action will be taken if evidence of wrongdoing is found.

Consumer Advice

Consumers receiving unwanted calls or texts about car finance claims are advised to register with the Telephone Preference Service. They can also report unsolicited marketing messages via the ICO website or by forwarding suspicious texts to the number 7726.