Disaster chasers exploiting recovery from ex-Cyclone Alfred

Communities in South East Queensland and northern New South Wales are still recovering from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which made landfall two weeks ago. As residents begin to clean up and assess damages, another problem has arisen: disaster chasers. These individuals or groups take advantage of people’s vulnerability after a disaster. Julie Batch, the CEO of NRMA Insurance, noted that these disaster chasers often pose as insurance claims managers. They promise quick repairs and inflated insurance payouts, leading to more trouble for already stressed homeowners. Andrew Hall, CEO of the Insurance Council of Australia, warns that the situation is worsening. Ongoing delays in the repair process open doors for dishonest actors. They often approach victims unsolicited, applying pressure to sign up for low-cost repairs. Unfortunately, the work they deliver is frequently of poor quality. Many victims end up paying upfront but receive no services in return. These disaster chasers also aim to access personal information, including bank details. Some create fake repair documents and mislead people about where their insurance payments are going. Legal Aid Queensland highlights that these scam artists may charge management fees when the claims process is actually free through legitimate channels. To protect themselves, residents are encouraged to be cautious. NRMA Insurance advises victims to lodge their claims directly with them, either online or by phone. If anyone is unsure about the legitimacy of tradespeople claiming to work on behalf of NRMA, they should reach out for verification. For more information about staying safe from these scams, NRMA Insurance offers resources on their website. Protecting oneself and one’s property is a top priority during these challenging times.