Safety Alert
People in the UK are reporting calls and text messages about PCP or car finance compensation. A common pattern is that the caller says your claim has already been approved, then tells you that you must tap a link to get a reference number, complete a form, or release the next stage of the claim.
The important point is simple: do not tap the link while you are on the call. A genuine claim should not depend on you acting immediately, and a caller should not pressure you into opening a link, sharing security codes, or entering personal details before you have checked who they are.
Quick warning: scammers may use names that sound familiar, including names similar to PCP claims companies, lenders, law firms or regulators. Some callers may claim to be from PCP247, connected to a PCP claim, or working with a finance provider. Treat any unexpected call as unverified until you have checked it independently.
Why these calls are happening now
Car finance and PCP compensation has been in the news, and many drivers are unsure whether they may be owed money. That confusion creates an opportunity for scammers. The Financial Conduct Authority has warned that scammers are pretending to be car finance lenders and falsely claiming that people are owed compensation.
Scammers know that a compensation call can sound believable if you previously had a car on finance. They may mention PCP, HP, car finance commission, an approved claim, or a reference number. They may also send a text message while they are speaking to you so the situation feels urgent and official.
How the scam call usually works
- You receive an unexpected call about a PCP or car finance claim.
- The caller says your claim has been approved, is ready, or is waiting for a final reference number.
- They send you a link by text, WhatsApp or email.
- They ask you to open the link while they stay on the phone.
- The form may ask for your name, address, date of birth, vehicle details, finance agreement details, bank details, a copy of your driving licence, or a signature.
- In some cases, they may ask for a payment, a verification code, or access to your phone or email.
Warning signs to look for
- The call is unexpected. You did not ask that company to contact you.
- They say the claim is already approved. Genuine compensation checks normally need evidence and cannot be guaranteed over a cold call.
- They pressure you to click a link. Scammers often want you to act before you have time to think.
- The link looks odd. It may use a shortened web address, a slightly misspelled domain, or a form hosted somewhere unfamiliar.
- They ask for sensitive details. Be very cautious with bank details, ID documents, security codes, passwords, or one-time passcodes.
- They tell you not to contact your lender directly. A legitimate process should stand up to independent checking.
What to do if you receive one of these calls
Pause, hang up, and check. You do not have to be polite to a suspicious caller. End the call, then check the company using a trusted source that you find yourself.
- Do not click the link. If you already opened it, do not enter any details.
- Do not share codes. Never read out bank codes, email codes, WhatsApp codes or one-time passcodes.
- Check the company independently. Search for the official website yourself. Do not use the link in the message.
- Check authorisation. Claims management firms should be checked on the official FCA register or via the GOV.UK claims-company checker.
- Contact your lender directly. Use the phone number on an old statement, official app, or official website.
- Report the message or call. Reporting helps mobile networks and authorities block scam routes.
How to report it in the UK
- Forward suspicious texts to 7726. Ofcom explains that 7726 is the free UK reporting number for unwanted texts and mobile calls.
- Report phishing to the National Cyber Security Centre. Suspicious emails can be forwarded to report@phishing.gov.uk, and scam websites can be reported to the NCSC.
- Report fraud to Action Fraud. If you lost money or gave away sensitive information, report it at actionfraud.police.uk.
- Call your bank immediately if money or banking details are involved. If you think someone is tricking you into giving money or bank details, Citizens Advice notes that you can hang up and call 159 to connect to your bank.
If you already clicked the link
Do not panic, but act quickly. If you only opened the page and entered nothing, close it and delete the message. If you entered personal information, take a screenshot of what you can, save the caller’s number and message, and report it.
If you entered bank details, card details, online banking information, passwords or security codes, contact your bank immediately using the number on the back of your card or by calling 159. Change any passwords you shared, and turn on two-factor authentication where possible.
How to check a genuine PCP or car finance claim safely
A real claim should not require you to trust a cold caller. You can contact your finance provider directly and ask how they are handling car finance commission complaints. If you use a claims company or solicitor, check the firm yourself first, understand the fees, and make sure you are comfortable before signing anything.
Be especially careful if someone tells you that you must act today, that your payout is guaranteed, or that you need to pay a fee to unlock a reference number. Those are common pressure tactics.
A simple rule for family members
If a call is about money, compensation, refunds, banking, claims, tax, delivery fees or account security, slow the conversation down. Tell the caller: “I will check this myself and call back using the official number.” A genuine organisation will allow that. A scammer will usually push harder.
Sources and further help: FCA warning about car finance scam calls, Ofcom guidance on 7726, NCSC phishing guidance, GOV.UK claims company checker, and Citizens Advice scam guidance.
