Storm victims told to beware scammers



VICTORIANS affected by hailstones and flash floods in the Christmas Day storms are being warned to be wary of scammers falsely claiming to be working for insurance companies.


Insurance company GIO says it has received reports from customers about bogus calls from people claiming to be from insurance companies, before the customer has even lodged their claim.

“We’ve had reports of customers getting cold calls from people falsely claiming to be either from an insurer or being authorised to make repairs by an insurer,” said GIO spokesman Duncan Bone.

“In all of these cases so far, our customers had yet to lodge a claim, so thankfully they called us first.”

Mr Bone said anyone affected by the storms should contact their insurance company directly.

He said the majority of insurers, including GIO, did not cold call their customers asking whether they had experienced any damage and would not send a representative to a customer’s home without first notifying them.

“One of the best things you can do is lodge your claim as soon as possible,” Mr Bone said.

“If someone comes to your house without you being notified, ask for ID, and don’t hesitate to check directly with your insurer if you are concerned.

“Beyond any possible scams, having repair work undertaken by a non-authorised repairer can also become a big headache and could possibly leave you out of pocket.”

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