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Bushfire-affected Aussies warned against ‘fictitious’ claim handlers

  • January 10 2020
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Bushfire-affected Aussies warned against ‘fictitious’ claim handlers

By Grace Ormsby
January 10 2020

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

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  • January 10 2020
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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”.

Burned house

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.”

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He told bushfire victims to “be wary of anyone who asks for payment upfront and who asks you to sign a contract immediately”.

Burned house

“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.

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About the author

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Grace is a journalist on Momentum Media's nestegg. She enjoys being able to provide easy to digest information and practical tips for Australians with regard to their wealth, as well as having a platform on which to engage leading experts and commentators and leverage their insight.

About the author

author image
Grace Ormsby

Grace is a journalist on Momentum Media's nestegg. She enjoys being able to provide easy to digest information and practical tips for Australians with regard to their wealth, as well as having a platform on which to engage leading experts and commentators and leverage their insight.

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