PCP motor finance compensation smishing

Impersonating: FCA / Motor Finance

What is this scam?

Scam texts exploit the real FCA investigation into mis-sold PCP and HP motor finance agreements. Messages claim victims are owed thousands in compensation and ask them to click a link to submit a claim, harvesting personal and financial data.

Example scam message

FCA: You may be owed compensation for a mis-sold motor finance agreement (PCP/HP). Your claim could be worth £1,800+. Submit your details now: updatepcp-claim.xyz/verify

Red flags to look out for

  • The message creates urgency — threatening a fine, missed delivery, or account closure.
  • Links lead to unofficial domains that don't match the real company's website.
  • You weren't expecting this message and can't verify the event it references.
  • It asks you to confirm payment details or personal information via a link.
  • The sender's number or email address doesn't match the company's official contact.

What to do if you receive this

  1. Do not transfer money — your bank will never ask you to move funds to a 'safe account'.
  2. Hang up and call your bank directly on the number printed on the back of your card.
  3. Report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk.
  4. If you've already transferred money, contact your bank immediately and ask about the APP fraud refund scheme.
Received this message? Forward it to 7726 (free on all UK networks) to report it to your mobile provider. You can also report it to Action Fraud or email the NCSC at report@phishing.gov.uk.

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Source: Action Fraud