Save
Bushfire-affected Aussies warned against ‘fictitious’ claim handlers
ASIC has issued a warning to anyone affected by the current bushfire crisis who is seeking insurance assistance to be wary of “unscrupulous” so-called “service providers”.
Bushfire-affected Aussies warned against ‘fictitious’ claim handlers
ASIC has issued a warning to anyone affected by the current bushfire crisis who is seeking insurance assistance to be wary of “unscrupulous” so-called “service providers”.

A statement from the corporate regulator has warned consumers and small-business owners to watch out for fictitious or unscrupulous tradespeople, repairers or firms offering to assist them with their insurance claim.
According to ASIC commissioner Sean Hughes, “These unscrupulous operators typically target home owners, farmers and small businesses in the aftermath of natural disasters.”
“They may claim to be able to identify damage to your property, sometimes by way of a free inspection.”
He told bushfire victims to “be wary of anyone who asks for payment upfront and who asks you to sign a contract immediately”.

“Don’t agree to sign anything which prevents you from dealing directly with your insurer, broker, financial adviser or lawyer,” he advised.
Mr Hughes said anyone who has concerns about the conduct of such a person or firm should contact ASIC.
It is important to remain vigilant and always check the licence and ABN of tradespeople and companies, ASIC said.
It also urged consumers to contact their insurer directly if they are approached by a firm that is offering to assist with any claims.
About the author

About the author


Expenses
Expert tips to secure your financial safety net
New Zealanders are known for their "she'll be right" attitude, but when it comes to handling unexpected bills, being prepared is crucial. Read more

Expenses
Australians continue to opt for free VPNs, ignoring potential privacy risks
Australians, alongside citizens of Sweden, South Korea, and Mexico, are increasingly choosing to use free Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), despite the potential threats to their privacy. Read more

Expenses
Rooftop solar in childcare centres could cut energy bills by millions
The analysis conducted by Parents for Climate has revealed that the installation of rooftop solar and batteries in early childhood education and care (ECEC) centres could lead to savings of up to $130 ...Read more

Expenses
Corporate Traveller identifies key strategies for business travel savings
Flight Centre Travel Group's Corporate Traveller, a premier service provider for managing SME travel, has shared several effective strategies that enabled their business clients to significantly ...Read more

Expenses
Price no longer the prime factor for energy bills
Many Australians are intrigued but unconvinced when it comes to greening their energy bill. Read more

Expenses
1 in 2 Aussie pet owners spends on their pets more than themselves
Does owning a pet eat into your monthly budget? You’re not alone. Read more

Expenses
The real reason Sydney’s petrol prices are so high
Sydney fuel prices may seem like they’re soaring, but a recent study indicates that they may be cheaper than you think. Read more

Expenses
Morrison backs big pharma, turns back to developing countries
Big pharma is currently fighting to maintain intellectual property protections over COVID-19 vaccines, with Australia refusing to act despite having no pharmaceutical companies. Read more

Expenses
Expert tips to secure your financial safety net
New Zealanders are known for their "she'll be right" attitude, but when it comes to handling unexpected bills, being prepared is crucial. Read more

Expenses
Australians continue to opt for free VPNs, ignoring potential privacy risks
Australians, alongside citizens of Sweden, South Korea, and Mexico, are increasingly choosing to use free Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), despite the potential threats to their privacy. Read more

Expenses
Rooftop solar in childcare centres could cut energy bills by millions
The analysis conducted by Parents for Climate has revealed that the installation of rooftop solar and batteries in early childhood education and care (ECEC) centres could lead to savings of up to $130 ...Read more

Expenses
Corporate Traveller identifies key strategies for business travel savings
Flight Centre Travel Group's Corporate Traveller, a premier service provider for managing SME travel, has shared several effective strategies that enabled their business clients to significantly ...Read more

Expenses
Price no longer the prime factor for energy bills
Many Australians are intrigued but unconvinced when it comes to greening their energy bill. Read more

Expenses
1 in 2 Aussie pet owners spends on their pets more than themselves
Does owning a pet eat into your monthly budget? You’re not alone. Read more

Expenses
The real reason Sydney’s petrol prices are so high
Sydney fuel prices may seem like they’re soaring, but a recent study indicates that they may be cheaper than you think. Read more

Expenses
Morrison backs big pharma, turns back to developing countries
Big pharma is currently fighting to maintain intellectual property protections over COVID-19 vaccines, with Australia refusing to act despite having no pharmaceutical companies. Read more