Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.

Update PCP Text Scam Text Message - How to Protect Yourself
Update PCP Text Scam Text Message - How to Protect Yourself

The UpdatePCP text is a smishing scam designed to harvest your personal and financial data. It exploits the real UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) investigation into motor finance (PCP/HP) to trick people into believing they are owed thousands of pounds.

How the Scam Works

  • The Hook: You receive an unsolicited text with a subject like "UpdatePCP" or "FINAL STAGES".
  • The Bait: It claims you are "eligible" for a significant payout (often mentioning specific amounts like £16,000) for a vehicle you may or may not own.
  • The Trap: The message includes a link (e.g., vsms.io/... or clickstop.cc) that leads to a fake website.
  • The Goal: These sites ask for sensitive information, such as your vehicle registration, bank details, or an upfront fee to "release" your compensation.

Red Flags

  • Urgency: Scammers use high-pressure language, telling you to act immediately or miss out.
  • Suspicious Links: Links often use shortened URLs or unusual domain endings (like .top or .xyz) instead of official .gov.uk or legitimate company sites.
  • No Verification: A genuine message about a car finance claim would already include your specific vehicle details rather than asking you to provide them.

Steps to Take

  1. Do NOT Click: Never click links or download attachments from unknown texts.
  2. Report the Text: Forward the message to 7726, the free UK reporting service for spam and scams.
  3. Block and Delete: After reporting, block the sender's number and delete the message.
  4. Contact Your Bank: If you have already entered your bank details, contact your bank immediately through their official app or website.

    National Cyber Security Centre +7

Claiming Legitimately

If you believe you were actually mis-sold car finance, you can check your eligibility and make a claim for free directly through your lender or the Financial Ombudsman Service. You do not need to use a third-party company that takes a high percentage of your payout.

waiting