If you think you're been stuffed around by a financial firm, free help is on its way.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority will arrive in Nowra on Monday, October 28 to offer free Financial Fairness Checks and raise awareness of its free, fair and independent financial dispute resolution services.
In its first 11 months of operation, AFCA has received more than 249 financial complaints from within the Shoalhaven area and awarded more than $705,160 in compensation.
As the one-stop-shop for consumers and small businesses with complaints about financial firms, including banks, credit and insurance organisations, investments, financial advice and superannuation, AFCA will activate its roaming support centre in Nowra Mall between 9.00am - 5.30pm.
Offering face-to-face financial complaint guidance for the first time since its November 2018 launch, AFCA will also use the event as an opportunity to better understand the financial issues faced by Nowra locals.
The roadshow also aims to improve Australian's awareness of how to resolve a dispute with banks, insurers or financial firms.
Chief Ombudsman and Chief Executive Officer, David Locke said hearing from regional communities would also help AFCA improve.
"When people run into an issue with their financial provider, many don't know they can actually make a formal complaint and get it fixed," he said.
"If it's something you've felt strongly enough to complain about to your friends and family, chances are you have a case to pursue.
"We're eager to hear from the locals of Nowra first-hand about their financial complaints and any issues they've encountered resolving issues with their financial firm. These valuable insights will help us reach fair outcomes and drive change across the industry.
"We're also letting people know they have a one year window to lodge complaints dating back to 2008. The special rules around 'legacy complaints' have been set by the Australian Government, and AFCA can accept legacy complaints until June 30, 2020."