Loans For Cars :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Scam Reports Hit New Highs: Are We Doing Enough?

Scam Reports Hit New Highs: Are We Doing Enough?

Scam Reports Hit New Highs: Are We Doing Enough??w=400

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 surge in scam reports has highlighted ongoing challenges as Australians continued to lose significant sums to fraudulent schemes.
Despite efforts to combat scams, reports to the national complaints authority reached unprecedented levels in 2023/24.

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority disclosed in its latest report that over 10,000 scams were reported last year, marking an alarming 81% surge compared with the previous reporting period. While this escalation is troubling, David Locke, chief ombudsman for the authority, noted a decline was observed in the later quarters.

"This decline in reports is heartening, but it's certainly not time for complacency," Locke emphasized. Initiatives by both the federal government and major banks have been cited as contributing factors to the reduction in scam activities.

However, Locke warns that "there is still a long way to go" in effectively addressing and mitigating scams across the board. The authority encountered over 10,000 scam-related cases, resolving 70% within 60 days, showcasing a need for faster and more efficient processes.

The ongoing fight against scams was coupled with a rise in financial distress cases. Complaints spurred by financial hardship increased by 18%, highlighting struggles with home, personal, and credit card loans. Ineffective communication and subpar handling during hardship assistance processes were frequently cited grievances.

Locke conveyed concerns regarding the financial industry’s response to these challenges, stating, "Over the past two years, consumers have faced a record level of premium growth in both car and home insurance." There remains a noticeable scarcity of adaptive measures concerning suitable resources and supportive product frameworks.

This article draws information from a recent AAP-delivered update, outlining critical elements of the Australian financial landscape over the past year. Navigating the complex web of financial fraud demands concerted efforts-from improving customer service to designing products focused on resolving grievances swiftly.

Published:Thursday, 31st Oct 2024
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Rate this article

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

Finance News

Electric Vehicle Financing Defies Market Trends with 48% Growth
Electric Vehicle Financing Defies Market Trends with 48% Growth
04 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
In a remarkable development, electric vehicle (EV) financing in Australia has experienced a 48% year-on-year increase, even as the overall motor finance market saw a 3% decline. This data, released by the Australian Finance Industry Association (AFIA), underscores a significant shift in consumer preferences towards sustainable transportation options. - read more
Understanding the Impact of RBA's Rate Hikes on Your Borrowing Power
Understanding the Impact of RBA's Rate Hikes on Your Borrowing Power
04 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has implemented three consecutive rate hikes in 2026, bringing the official cash rate to 4.35%. With the next RBA board meeting scheduled for 16 June, borrowers across Australia are keenly awaiting potential further changes and their implications. - read more
Toyota Expands Electric Vehicle Offerings with Hilux BEV and bZ4X Touring
Toyota Expands Electric Vehicle Offerings with Hilux BEV and bZ4X Touring
28 May 2026: Paige Estritori
Toyota has made significant strides in the Australian electric vehicle (EV) market with the recent launch of the Hilux BEV and the bZ4X Touring. These additions reflect Toyota's commitment to providing a diverse range of low-emission vehicles tailored to various consumer preferences. - read more
Electric Vehicles Capture 16.4% of Australian New Car Sales in April 2026
Electric Vehicles Capture 16.4% of Australian New Car Sales in April 2026
20 May 2026: Paige Estritori
In April 2026, electric vehicles (EVs) accounted for 16.4% of all new car sales in Australia, marking a significant milestone in the nation's automotive market. This equates to approximately one in every six new vehicles sold being electric, highlighting a rapid shift towards sustainable transportation. - read more
Australian Dwelling Finance Approvals Experience 3.8% Decline in First Quarter of 2026
Australian Dwelling Finance Approvals Experience 3.8% Decline in First Quarter of 2026
20 May 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian housing finance sector has witnessed a significant downturn, with new dwelling finance approvals falling by 3.8% in the first quarter of 2026. This marks the largest quarterly decline in three years, signaling potential challenges within the housing market. - read more
RBA Increases Cash Rate to 4.35% in May 2026
RBA Increases Cash Rate to 4.35% in May 2026
12 May 2026: Paige Estritori
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has raised the cash rate by 25 basis points, bringing it to 4.35% as of May 2026. This decision comes despite recent inflation figures showing a slight decrease, indicating the RBA's commitment to steering inflation back within its target range of 2% to 3%. - read more
Macquarie Bank's Mortgage Portfolio Expands by 27% in 2026
Macquarie Bank's Mortgage Portfolio Expands by 27% in 2026
12 May 2026: Paige Estritori
Macquarie Bank has reported a significant 27% increase in its residential mortgage portfolio over the past year, solidifying its position as Australia's fifth-largest lender. This growth highlights Macquarie's successful strategies in capturing a larger share of the mortgage market, traditionally dominated by the big four banks. - read more


Car Loans Articles

Understanding Specialist Lenders: The Secret to Better Car Loan Terms
Understanding Specialist Lenders: The Secret to Better Car Loan Terms
Specialist lenders are financial institutions that offer tailored loan products to meet the unique needs of borrowers who may not be well-served by traditional banks. These lenders often have more flexible lending criteria and can accommodate a broader range of financial situations. - read more
Things You Wish You Knew Before Buying a Car
Things You Wish You Knew Before Buying a Car
Welcome to Things You Wish You Knew Before Buying a Car – the ultimate guide to understanding car financing.For a limited time, you can download a free copy of this valuable resource. Our retail price for the eBook is AUD $19.95, but we're offering it to you for free – no strings attached! Click to Download Free - read more
Avoid Rejection: Common Pitfalls to Sidestep in Meeting Car Loan Criteria
Avoid Rejection: Common Pitfalls to Sidestep in Meeting Car Loan Criteria
Entering the realm of self-employment brings with it not only the freedom to be your own boss but also unique challenges, especially when it comes to securing financing for significant purchases like a car. For the self-employed, the path to obtaining a car loan can be fraught with additional hurdles, stemming from the variable nature of their income and the scrutiny lenders apply to their financial profiles. - read more
Self-Employed? Here's How You Can Qualify for a Car Loan in Australia
Self-Employed? Here's How You Can Qualify for a Car Loan in Australia
Stepping into the world of self-employment can be a profoundly liberating experience, offering greater flexibility and the potential for financial independence. However, when it comes to securing finance for substantial purchases like a vehicle, self-employed individuals may face unique hurdles. Traditional lenders often favor those with a stable employment history and regular income statements, which can put the self-employed at a disadvantage. - read more
Temporary Resident? Learn How You Can Qualify for an Australian Car Loan
Temporary Resident? Learn How You Can Qualify for an Australian Car Loan
Welcome to your comprehensive guide on navigating the Australian car loan landscape as a temporary resident. Whether you're here for work, study, or leisure, having your own vehicle can vastly improve your time in Australia. However, securing a loan for a car might seem like a formidable task given your temporary status. That's where this article steps in—to enlighten and empower you in this financial journey. - read more
Loans for Cars: Finding the Best Financing Options
Loans for Cars: Finding the Best Financing Options
The cost of buying a car is a major financial commitment, so it's important to consider all of your options before making a purchase. In this article, we look at some of the pros and cons of the most common car financing options, including leasing, hire purchase and paying cash, and what difference it makes whether you are buying a new or used vehicle. - read more
Why Australian Car Buyers Should Consider Pre-Approved Car Loans
Why Australian Car Buyers Should Consider Pre-Approved Car Loans
Pre-approved car loans are financing arrangements where a lender evaluates your financial situation and determines an approved loan amount before you start shopping for a vehicle. This process provides buyers a clear understanding of their budget, which helps in making more informed decisions. - read more


Start Here !
life insurance
Apply now for your free Insurance assessment and price comparisons!

Life Cover Amount:
Your Postcode:
All quotes are provided free and without obligation. We respect your privacy.
Need A Car Loan Right Now?
Compare car loan rates & options from participating car finance brokers and lenders in our national referral panel to help you find competitive finance solutions. Fast and free... our initial eligibility assessment does not access your credit file!

 START HERE.

Loan Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided obligation-free by a participating broker from our national referral partner network. We respect your Privacy.

Compare car loan rates & options from participating car finance brokers and lenders in our national referral panel to help you find competitive finance solutions. Fast and free... our initial eligibility assessment does not access your credit file!

Knowledgebase
Working Capital:
A measure of a company's short-term financial health, calculated as current assets minus current liabilities.