Firm sent out millions of unsolicited messages

A TYNESIDE firm has been fined a six-figure sum for sending out millions of unsolicited marketing messages.

- COREENA FORD Business writer

Allay Claims Ltd, based in Hoults Yard, Newcastle, has been fined £120,000 for sending more than four million unlawful marketing text messages between February 2023 and February 2024. The messages promoted PPI tax refund services and were sent without valid consent or compliance with the rules on the 'soft opt-in' exemption.

Allay Claims Ltd sent 4,046,947 SMS messages promoting PPI tax refund services. The ICO said it found that the texts were clearly promotional in tone, encouraging people to make further claims and directing them to external landing pages.

The messages were not service updates, as Allay later claimed, but direct marketing communications designed to prompt action.