UK regulators raid five firms behind 170 million car finance spam texts after 12 million complaints

On 29 July 2026, the ICO searched properties in London, Liverpool, Bolton, Burnley, and Swansea linked to five claims management companies believed responsible for 170 million unsolicited car finance texts. Over 12 million public complaints have been logged since September 2025, peaking at 100,000 per day. The ICO is coordinating with the FCA, ASA, and SRA. ICO investigations head Andy Curry said the raids "send a clear message to the claims management sector: comply with the law or expect to hear from us."