The joint taskforce comprising the FCA, ASA, SRA and ICO continues to crack down on poor handling of motor finance claims and ads for services.
The FCA had 170 misleading ads removed or amended by CMCs during June alone (1,200 in the past 18 months). It found various failings, such as:
- ads that were disguised as consumer postings;
- ads that suggested an affiliation with the FCA;
- failure to highlight the option to claim free;
- unauthorised promotions.
It agreed 2 VREQs with firms who agreed to stop or change their marketing activities, bringing VREQs to a total of 12 in the last year.
The ASA is separately investigating various ads placed by law firms, looking at some similar issues, and also issues around fee clarity and potentially exaggerated compensation claims.