Quick Quote
One simple enquiry form gives you fast access to quotes and rate comparisons from Australia's leading and best known debt consolidation specialists.
All quotes are supplied to you free and without any obligation. We respect your privacy.
Knowledgebase
Debt-to-Equity Ratio:
A measure of a company’s financial leverage, calculated by dividing its total liabilities by stockholders’ equity.
Debt Consolidation Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

AFCA Caught in Scam Operations, Urged to Strengthen Protocols

AFCA Caught in Scam Operations, Urged to Strengthen Protocols

AFCA Caught in Scam Operations, Urged to Strengthen Protocols?w=400
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) finds itself inadvertently entangled in sophisticated scamming operations.
The Stockbrokers and Investment Advisers Association (SIAA) has identified a tactic whereby fraudsters use AFCA's complaint system to lend credibility to their scams by taking over victims' accounts and falsely lodging complaints.

In a formal submission to AFCA, SIAA voiced concerns over international fraud syndicates that orchestrate these schemes from overseas bases. An example highlighted by the SIAA describes a compound in Myanmar staffed by forced laborers from countries like the Philippines and Thailand, coerced through violence to meet scam-related quotas. These operations deploy identity theft to open accounts without the victim's consent, thereby evolving the fraud risk landscape for Australian consumers.

According to the SIAA, scammers often file complaints with financial institutions as 'proof of life' to deceive companies into recognising them as legitimate customers. This practice extends to threats of complaining to AFCA over minor dissatisfactions, forcing financial firms into costly responses. The larger firms, which face a $1,000 charge upon escalation to AFCA, lack protection under the current system against manipulation by savvy fraudsters.

The details prompted SIAA to express interest in learning about AFCA's measures to prevent such exploitation. A proposed solution is the introduction of a "verification" fee: a pre-complaint fee that would ensure only verified claims proceed to AFCA review. This, SIAA argues, could deter fraudulent settlements and allow firms to identify potential scams.

The recommendation underscores a need for friction and verification within AFCA's framework to safeguard financial services and prevent abuse of AFCA processes, emphasizing the significant implications for firms battling fraud.

Published:Tuesday, 17th Jun 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Finance News

US Involvement in Israel-Iran Conflict Sparks Financial Market Concerns US Involvement in Israel-Iran Conflict Sparks Financial Market Concerns
23 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

The escalating likelihood of the United States engaging militarily in the Israel-Iran conflict has raised alarm among investors, potentially leading to significant market volatility. This concern was highlighted by the global financial advisory firm, deVere Group, as tensions heighten in the Middle East. - read more
Global Markets Brace for Oil Price Surge Following US Strike on Iran Global Markets Brace for Oil Price Surge Following US Strike on Iran
23 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

The recent US military attack on Iranian nuclear facilities has raised expectations of a significant oil price spike as global markets prepare to resume trading. Announced by former President Donald Trump, the attack marks an increased US involvement in the Middle East, which analysts believe could lead to heightened volatility across financial markets. - read more
Trump Mulls Change of Heart on Firing Fed Chair Powell Trump Mulls Change of Heart on Firing Fed Chair Powell
21 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

US President Donald Trump is once again contemplating the dismissal of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, whom he has criticized for not lowering interest rates. Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with Powell's decisions in a Truth Social post, suggesting he might change his mind about firing him. Despite acknowledging that his strong criticisms make Powell's task challenging, Trump remains focused on his agenda for reduced rates, especially with Powell's term set to end in May 2026. - read more
APRA Clarifies HELP Debt Considerations in Home Loan Assessments APRA Clarifies HELP Debt Considerations in Home Loan Assessments
20 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released pivotal updates to the Prudential Practice Guide APG 223 and Reporting Standard ARS 223.0, focusing on how Authorised Deposit-taking Institutions (ADIs) should integrate Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) debt into home loan evaluations. The changes are aimed at enhancing regulatory clarity and acknowledging the individual circumstances of borrowers, including the nuances of their HELP debts, without compromising prudent lending practices. - read more
Economic Unrest Spurs Increased Reliance on Financial Advisers Economic Unrest Spurs Increased Reliance on Financial Advisers
20 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

In the face of ongoing economic turmoil encompassing inflation, market volatility, and other financial stresses, a global survey from Natixis Investment Managers, conducted by CoreData Research, has highlighted a growing trend: investors are increasingly relying on their financial advisers. With 91 per cent of surveyed investors expressing trust in their financial advisers for investment decisions, this highlights an unmistakable shift amidst financial uncertainty. - read more


Debt Consolidation Articles

How to Craft a Foolproof Financial Strategy for Debt Management How to Craft a Foolproof Financial Strategy for Debt Management
Managing debt is a crucial aspect of maintaining financial well-being, yet it can often feel like a daunting task. Understanding how debt works and its potential impact on your life is the first step toward gaining control of your finances. In this section, we will delve into the intricacies of debt and outline why a solid financial strategy is essential for effective debt management. - read more
How to Avoid Falling Back into Debt: Post-Consolidation Best Practices How to Avoid Falling Back into Debt: Post-Consolidation Best Practices
Welcome to our guide on how to avoid falling back into debt after consolidating your debts. Debt consolidation can be a fantastic way to manage multiple financial obligations, combining them into a single, more manageable payment plan. But the journey doesn’t end there. - read more
Budgeting 101: A Beginner's Guide to Monthly Expense Planning Budgeting 101: A Beginner's Guide to Monthly Expense Planning
Budgeting is the process of creating a plan to manage your money. Essentially, it allows you to allocate your income towards expenses, savings, and other financial goals. By keeping track of where your money goes, budgeting helps you ensure that you are not overspending and are prepared for future financial needs. - read more
The Ultimate Guide to Achieving Financial Freedom Through Debt Restructuring The Ultimate Guide to Achieving Financial Freedom Through Debt Restructuring
Financial stability is a common aspiration, yet many Australians find themselves weighed down by the burden of debt. Whether it’s due to loans, credit cards, or unexpected financial emergencies, the struggle to stay afloat is a reality for countless individuals striving to achieve their dreams of a secure, debt-free future. - read more
The Ultimate Guide to Managing Personal Debt: Tips and Tricks The Ultimate Guide to Managing Personal Debt: Tips and Tricks
Managing personal debt effectively is crucial for maintaining financial stability. Debt, when left unchecked, can quickly spiral out of control, leading to financial stress and a host of other problems. - read more
Proven Strategies for Australians to Improve Credit Scores Proven Strategies for Australians to Improve Credit Scores
Welcome, readers! We're here to talk about something incredibly important yet often overlooked: improving your credit score. Your credit score is a financial report card used to evaluate your creditworthiness, and it can have a significant impact on your ability to secure loans, mortgages, and even rental agreements. - read more
How to Craft a Foolproof Financial Strategy for Debt Management How to Craft a Foolproof Financial Strategy for Debt Management
Managing debt is a crucial aspect of maintaining financial well-being, yet it can often feel like a daunting task. Understanding how debt works and its potential impact on your life is the first step toward gaining control of your finances. In this section, we will delve into the intricacies of debt and outline why a solid financial strategy is essential for effective debt management. - read more
Managing Your Credit Card Debt Wisely in Tough Economic Times Managing Your Credit Card Debt Wisely in Tough Economic Times
In light of the current economic challenges facing many Australians, managing credit card debt has become more crucial than ever. With rising living costs and financial uncertainty, accruing debt on high-interest credit cards can quickly escalate from a manageable inconvenience to a stressful financial burden. - read more