The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
A claimant's bank funds have been frozen following accusations of fraudulent activities involving counterfeit medical invoices.
The civil lawsuit, initiated by NRMA Insurance, targets Haneen Asfour, who is accused of securing funds through false pretenses. The insurer alleges that Asfour accumulated $380,594 through deceptive claims.
After a car accident in Prospect in December 2022, Asfour began receiving statutory benefits from NRMA. However, additional payments were requested for private medical treatments that, according to sworn testimonies from medical practitioners, were never provided.
The extreme measure of halting Asfour’s financial transactions was deemed necessary by a NSW Supreme Court judge, who expressed the likelihood of Asfour potentially diverting or disposing of the misappropriated funds.
The court’s decision is rooted in claims that, without the order, Asfour could easily deplete the alleged fraudulent funds by various means such as withdrawing from bank accounts or transferring assets to more obscure locations.
NRMA's legal team claims that the fraudulent activities were apparent and purposeful, aimed at exploiting the insurer’s funding for private pain management and therapy sessions that did not occur.
The freezing order and NRMA’s statement of claim were formally presented to Asfour last week. Nonetheless, she will continue to receive her statutory payments of $2113 fortnightly, after tax deductions, amid ongoing investigations.
Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.
Specialty insurer Newline Group has announced the opening of a new office in Sydney, marking a significant expansion of its Australian operations. This strategic move aims to bring the company closer to its distribution partners and clients in the region, enhancing service delivery and fostering stronger relationships. - read more
Markel Insurance has unveiled a suite of financial institution products specifically designed for the Australian market, featuring localized policy wordings to better address the unique needs of local businesses. This initiative reflects Markel's commitment to providing tailored insurance solutions that resonate with the specific requirements of Australian financial institutions. - read more
A recent survey conducted by KPMG has unveiled a significant shift in the expectations of Australian CEOs regarding office work. The findings indicate that only 22% of those surveyed anticipate a full-time return to the office for corporate employees within the next three years. This marks a substantial decrease from the 82% reported in the previous year, signaling a notable change in leadership perspectives on workplace dynamics. - read more
Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has recently submitted its recommendations to the Federal Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services, focusing on the Inquiry into Small Business Insurance. In its submission, IAG outlines how small business insurance operates across its retail and intermediated channels and provides recommendations to support stronger, more sustainable outcomes for small businesses in Australia. - read more
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has ordered 11 insurance companies to refund a total of $815 million to customers following an investigation into pricing failures and governance issues. The investigation revealed that these insurers engaged in complex and reckless pricing models, lacked appropriate governance systems, and failed to adequately monitor and control their distributors, leading to millions of customers being overcharged. - read more
Cyber insurance is a type of insurance designed to protect businesses from internet-based risks and, more generally, from risks relating to information technology infrastructure and activities. It covers losses related to data breaches, cyber extortion, and other kinds of cyber attacks. - read more
Cyber risk management involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks related to digital and online threats. These threats can include unauthorized access to sensitive information, data breaches, and other malicious activities targeting an organization’s digital infrastructure. - read more
Cyber insurance, also known as cyber liability insurance, is a type of coverage designed to protect businesses from the financial repercussions of cyber attacks and data breaches. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, the need for a safety net to mitigate the impact of such incidents has grown significantly. - read more
Cyber risk management involves identifying, assessing, and prioritizing potential risks to an organization's digital assets and implementing measures to mitigate these threats. - read more
Remote work has seen a significant rise in Australia, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. More businesses are embracing flexibility, allowing employees to work from home or other remote locations. - read more
Knowledgebase
Insurance Deductible: That part of an insurance claim that must be paid by an insured person before the the balance is paid by the insurer.