Demand for Stronger Anti-Fraud Measures Rises

3

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.

In a recent move to combat fraud, the Albanese administration has unveiled draft legislation targeting firms that fail to prevent scammers from reaching out to consumers.

Financial institutions are on the frontline of this initiative, receiving mounting pressure to ensure that scam victims are reimbursed promptly. The UK’s Consumer Reimbursement Model serves as a benchmark for what victims hope to see implemented in Australia.

In the UK, banks have already shown a proactive stance by establishing processes to refund scam victims. This policy not only aids those impacted financially but also builds trust in the banking system. Advocates argue that without similar measures, Australian banks might fall behind in securing customer confidence.

Tess Ikonomou from AAP has highlighted the urgency and gravity of this issue in a recent report, underscoring the pressing need for expedited legislative action.

The proposed laws are not just about protecting consumers but also about holding corporations accountable for lax security measures. There has been a notable rise in sophisticated scams, and it's evident that enhanced protective mechanisms are necessary.

Here’s a look at what the draft legislation aims to achieve:

• Impose penalties on companies that fail to implement adequate scam prevention protocols.
• Require banks to establish a reimbursement scheme for fraud victims.
• Introduce mandatory reporting of scam attempts to regulatory bodies.
• Set standards for companies to follow in educating consumers about potential fraud threats.

Supporters of these measures believe they will not only deter fraudsters but also considerably reduce the number of successful scam attempts.

However, some financial institutions voice concerns over the financial and operational impacts of these changes. They argue that the costs of compliance and potential reimbursements could be high, urging for a balanced approach.

Nonetheless, consumer advocacy groups remain steadfast in their view that protecting individuals from fraud should be a primary objective, regardless of the strain on corporate finances.

As legislative debates continue, the financial sector, along with its clients, watches closely, anticipating significant changes that could reshape how scams are handled and victims are supported.

Published:Friday, 20th Sep 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Clear

ASIC's Findings Highlight Urgent Need for Reform in Car Finance Lending Practices

04 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently unveiled findings from its comprehensive review of the motor vehicle finance sector, highlighting concerning trends that are likely to prompt a tightening of lending practices across the industry. - read more

Affordable Electric Vehicles: New Low-Interest Loans for Eligible Australians

04 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian government has launched a new initiative to make electric vehicles (EVs) more accessible to a broader segment of the population. This program offers low-interest loans to individuals earning less than $100,000 annually, as well as essential workers, facilitating the purchase of new and used EVs priced up to $55,000. - read more

Surge in Car Loan Delinquencies Sparks Financial Sector Worries

04 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia is witnessing a notable increase in car loan delinquencies, raising alarms about the potential ripple effects on the broader financial sector. This trend reflects the financial strain many Australians are experiencing amid economic challenges. - read more

ASIC Identifies Critical Issues in Australia's Car Finance Sector

19 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently conducted a comprehensive review of the motor vehicle finance sector, uncovering significant concerns regarding lending practices. This examination has highlighted issues such as exorbitant establishment fees and a troubling rate of early loan defaults, raising questions about the adequacy of current lending standards. - read more

Australian Used Car Market Experiences Significant Supply Surge

19 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA), in collaboration with AutoGrab, has released the Mid-2025 Automotive Insights Report, revealing a substantial increase in the supply of used cars in the Australian market. The first half of 2025 saw 1,589,491 vehicles listed for sale, marking an over 30% rise compared to the same period in 2024. This surge in supply is reshaping market dynamics and influencing pricing trends. - read more

New Government Initiative Offers Low-Interest Loans for Electric Vehicles

19 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

In a significant move to promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) among Australian businesses, the government has announced a $50 million partnership with Metro Finance to provide low-interest loans for the purchase of EVs. This initiative is designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in transitioning to cleaner transportation options, thereby reducing emissions and energy costs. - read more

ASIC's Findings Highlight Urgent Need for Reform in Car Finance Lending Practices

11 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently unveiled findings from its comprehensive review of the motor vehicle finance sector, highlighting concerning trends that are likely to prompt a tightening of lending practices across the industry. - read more

Click for more Finance News