Unscrupulous telemarketers are targeting and contacting people after a car crash, pretending to offer to help and then selling personal information to other people to make money.
This is shameful behaviour, taking advantage of people who may be vulnerable, particularly after being injured in a car accident. There have been multiple examples of the scammers pretending to represent government, insurers or well-known businesses to gain people’s trust.
Car crash scamming is now a crime. Recent reforms to the Motor Accident Insurance Act 1994 make these types of cold calls illegal. Plus, a solicitor who pays for a referral through this type of activity is also in breach of the new law.
What do I do if I receive a call like this?
Hang up and report to the Motor Accident Insurance Commission at: https://maic.qld.gov.au/about-maic/