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.
Published:Wednesday, 5th Jun 2024 Source: Paige Estritori
Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.
Recent research commissioned by the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's (DFAT) Smartraveller program has unveiled a concerning trend: approximately 14% of Australian travellers embark on international journeys without any form of travel insurance. This statistic has prompted Allianz Partners to urge Australians to reconsider the importance of securing adequate coverage before travelling abroad. - read more
In 2024, medical incidents emerged as the leading cause of travel insurance claims among Australian travellers, accounting for more than 40% of all claims handled by nib Travel. This trend underscores the critical importance of securing comprehensive travel insurance to mitigate the financial risks associated with medical emergencies abroad. - read more
The allure of Bali continues to captivate Australian travellers, with a notable 43% increase in travel insurance policies purchased for the destination since the 2022/23 summer season. This surge has corresponded with a 50% rise in related insurance claims, now accounting for 16% of all claims submitted to Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) in 2024. - read more
QBE Insurance Group, Australia's largest insurer by market value, recently experienced a significant decline in its share price, reaching a seven-month low. This downturn is primarily attributed to a slowdown in the company's premium rate growth during the third quarter of 2025. - read more
Australia's insurance industry has reported an after-tax profit of $6.1 billion for the year 2024, a figure that is three times higher than the five-year average of $2 billion. This substantial increase is attributed to significant premium hikes and a relatively benign year for natural disasters. - read more
In today's rapidly evolving cyber landscape, Australian businesses must prioritize data security more than ever before. As companies continue to digitize operations and store sensitive data electronically, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has become paramount. This introduction lays the foundation for understanding the criticality of protecting your company's most valuable asset—its data. - read more
Data breaches have become a significant concern for businesses in today's digital landscape. Simply put, a data breach occurs when sensitive, protected, or confidential information is accessed, disclosed, or used without authorization. The implications of such breaches can be far-reaching, affecting not just financial health but also the reputation of businesses and the security of individuals involved. - read more
Cyber Insurance is a type of insurance policy that protects businesses against internet-based risks and threats. This policy covers damages and losses caused by cyber attacks, such as theft of customer information, network downtime, and damage to reputation. - 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
As the digital economy flourishes, Australian businesses are enjoying the fruits of their own cyber-infrastructure but are also becoming increasingly susceptible to cyber threats. The era of the internet has ushered in a wave of new opportunities, yet it also demands vigilance in the face of growing cyber risks. With cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated and frequent, the imperative for robust cyber security measures has never been more pronounced. - read more
Knowledgebase
Coverage: The amount of risk or liability covered for an individual or entity by way of insurance services.