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.
The New South Wales (NSW) government's proposal to ban commissions on strata insurance has ignited a contentious debate between consumer advocacy groups and industry leaders. This reform aims to eliminate potential conflicts of interest and enhance transparency within the strata management sector. - read more
Strata property owners in North and Central Queensland are being encouraged to take advantage of newly introduced federal and state initiatives designed to reduce insurance premiums and enhance cyclone resilience. These programs offer financial incentives for property upgrades that can lead to significant savings on insurance costs. - read more
Recent findings from the PwC Insurance Banana Skins Survey reveal that Australian insurers are trailing their global counterparts in risk preparedness. The survey, which gathered insights from 698 insurance executives across 42 territories, indicates that Australian insurers scored 6.6% lower on the Preparedness Index compared to the global average. This gap is particularly concerning as the industry faces escalating challenges from cyber threats and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI). - read more
Australian homeowners are experiencing substantial increases in home insurance premiums, with the average premium rising by 16% over the past year. Consumer advocacy group Choice reports that some insurers, including Kogan, RAC, and Honey, have raised their rates by more than 30%. These hikes are attributed to various factors, including high supply chain inflation, increased claims costs, and higher reinsurance expenses due to severe weather events. - read more
Reinsurance serves as a critical component in the Australian insurance landscape, offering capital relief and stabilising returns for insurers amidst escalating natural disaster claims. A recent report by the Actuaries Institute underscores the indispensable role of reinsurance in maintaining the industry's financial health. - read more
In today's digital landscape, Australian small businesses face a myriad of cyber risks that can threaten their operations and financial stability. From sophisticated phishing scams to debilitating hacking attacks, the need to safeguard against such digital threats has never been more pressing. This introductory guide serves to illuminate the complexities of the cyber risk environment within Australia, focusing on the small business sector's unique vulnerabilities. - 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
As we dive deeper into the digital era, the topic of cyber security becomes increasingly critical. With businesses and individuals relying heavily on digital technologies, the threat of cyber attacks looms larger than ever. This introductory section aims to unpack the concept of cyber insurance as a tool to mitigate these risks. - read more
Cyber insurance is one of the most valuable business covers available today, but it is also one of the most confusing to apply for. Many business owners expect it to work like other insurance types, where you provide basic details such as turnover, industry, and location, then receive a quote. Cyber insurance is different. It behaves less like a simple application and more like a risk interview. - read more
Cyber threats refer to malicious acts that seek to damage data, steal information, or disrupt digital operations. These threats can come in various forms, such as malware, phishing attacks, ransomware, and more. - read more
Knowledgebase
Term Life Insurance: A type of life insurance policy that provides coverage for a specified period, such as 10 or 20 years.