Drivers could have had signatures forged in car finance claims scandal in fresh allegations

Thousands of drivers could have been misled into signing up for motor finance claims without their knowledge, according to concerns raised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

The watchdog has launched an investigation into Consultation Claims Limited (CCL) following allegations that some consumers were enrolled in claims services without their consent, while others may have had their signatures forged on paperwork.

In a statement, the FCA said it would be investigating concerns that consumers may have been signed up during the period April 2025 to December 2025 without their consent, "with some allegations that signatures have been forged".

The investigation focuses on CCL's conduct between April and December 2025 and will examine the entire customer journey, including how consumers were contacted, what they were told about making a claim and whether they were properly informed about any fees for leaving agreements.

The FCA has taken the unusual step of publicly announcing the probe in an effort to encourage affected motorists to come forward.

It said: "Announcing the investigation allows consumers who may have unknowingly been signed up or who may have been presented with documents purporting to be signed by them when they have not, to complain to CCL."

Drivers who believe they were signed up without permission can complain directly to the company. If they are unhappy with the response, they can escalate their case to the Claims Management Ombudsman.

Despite the allegations, the FCA stressed the investigation is still at an early stage and the authority has not reached any conclusions as to what has happened or as to whether CCL has breached any relevant requirements.

The probe follows scrutiny of the motor finance claims industry, which continues to intensify following a surge in compensation claims linked to historic car finance agreements.

CCL was previously subject to restrictions imposed by the FCA between December 2025 and March 2026, with the investigation being a new measure.

During that period, the company temporarily stopped taking on new customers and contacted existing clients to offer them the opportunity to cancel agreements free of charge.

The regulator said the restrictions were lifted after CCL met its requirements and introduced measures aimed at preventing customers from being sent contracts that may have included false signatures.

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The investigation is the latest move in a wider crackdown on the claims management sector, with the FCA hoping to improve transparency for drivers.

In March, the FCA joined forces with the Solicitors Regulation Authority, the Information Commissioner's Office, and the Advertising Standards Authority to tackle concerns about the way some claims firms and law firms handle motor finance cases.

The regulator also announced a broader review of the claims management market last month, highlighting reports of consumers being signed up without their knowledge as one of its major concerns.

The FCA said it would only normally publicise investigations in exceptional circumstances, but added that this was necessary to protect consumers and prevent further harm.

The watchdog has already removed or amended more than 1,000 misleading motor finance advertisements, helped more than 28,000 consumers leave contracts free of charge and pushed three claims management companies to reduce what it described as unreasonable fees.

According to the FCA, the actions have helped protect more than 500,000 consumers.

The investigation into Consultation Claims Limited remains ongoing.