Westpac customers will be able to speak to staff at the bank via its app using a verified call, in a move to combat banking scams. We welcome this initiative and hope banks and other companies will continue to use technology to protect people. ow.ly/VB2r50SMO3n

There's been another record year of complaints to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority. We agree with Chief Ombudsman, David Locke, who says, "firms could be resolving more complaints themselves, or preventing them in the first place." More here👇 ow.ly/o8Pi50SPHxB

Here's more proof of the essential work financial counsellors do for flood victims. Our supplementary submission to the federal floods inquiry shows they were able to negotiate, on average, an increase of $83,000 per client. ow.ly/tCe250SQSbA

Stephanie Tonkin the chief executive of the Consumer Action Law Centre, describes the increase as “off the charts”. Stephen Jones MP Financial Counselling Australia Australian Banking CHOICE theage.com.au/money/banking/…

Financial counsellors have been highlighting issues with Centrepay for many years. The misuse of Centrepay can harm people in financial hardship and this article also shows reform is needed. Our submission to the Centrepay review is on our website. theguardian.com/australia-news…

The Federal Government has announced it will reset the Consumer Data Right (CDR) to deliver better consumer outcomes. What's CDR I hear you ask? Well watch this short video to learn all about it and its' potential.

Australians spend and lose more to gambling than people in any other country in the world. Financial counsellors often assist people experiencing devastating harm from gambling. That's why we've signed the open letter calling for a ban on gambling ads. abc.net.au/news/2024-08-1…

Along with many other advocates, we're calling on the government and opposition to commit to a ban on all gambling advertising. Independent Senator David Pocock has told ABC RN "partial bans don't work". abc.net.au/listen/program…

"Counsellors flag ‘widespread practice’ of lowball cash settlements". The headline from insuranceNews.com.au on FCA's supplementary submission to the parliament's flood inquiry. It's worth a read👇 aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%…

Congratulations to ASIC for taking down more than 7,300 phishing and investment scam websites over the past 12 months. It marks one year since ASIC was given the capability to takedown such websites. Bravo! ow.ly/RG4L50T0Ouo

Big shout out to 9 New for using the National Debt Helpline number at the end of a story on credit card debt. It's so important for news outlets to let consumers know there are FREE and INDEPENDENT financial counsellors out there. #ninenews #aislinkriukelis

ACTCOSS released their latest Cost of Living Report this week and it highlights some very disturbing trends. As CEO, Dr Devin Bowles said, "We are witnessing a once-in-a-generation economic shift that will grow the wealth gap." #ACTCOSS #NDH ow.ly/wiU150T4Cnj

It's Scams Awareness Week and the theme is share a story - stop a scam. Kanthi was recently helped by Peter Gartlan, our co-CEO, after she was scammed. Thanks for sharing Kanthi. #ShareAScamStory #ACCC #CALC

If you've been scammed, chances are they're trying to rip other people off too. The best way to ruin their fun is to share your story. The easiest was to do that is to tell ScamWatch. ow.ly/ejCe50T6gum #ShareAScamStory #ACCC

Consumers should not have to fight tooth and nail to get adequate cash settlement offers from their insurers after weather disasters. This ABC story highlights a recent FCVic submission on the issue. ow.ly/Pwgm50T9o6Z

Did you know around 30% of people don't report the most serious scams. By talking to each other, we can make sure no one is alone in the fight against scams. If you have been scammed contact ScamWatch. scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam #ShareAScamStory #ACCC

A massive thanks to Adele Ferguson for highlighting the work done by financial counsellors after weather disasters on RN Breakfast this morning. You can also read her online article here abc.net.au/news/2024-09-0… #ABCRadioNational #ABCNews ow.ly/eupi50Tc3yb

This morning, the Today Show explored why it's such a tough time for small business owners financially across Australia. Many of the people contacting the Small Business Debt Helpline for specialist financial counselling are struggling to pay ATO debts.

"There's no shame and no stigma in struggling at the moment, everyone is doing it tough, and I highly recommend you reach out for help National Debt Helpline is there to help, 1800 007 007" Financial Counselling Australia Stephanie Tonkin Stephen Jones MP Link here to watch : youtu.be/sd68JekTXrk

Researchers at The Grattan Institute are calling for a ban on all gambling advertisements to help protect vulnerable people. The new report also recommends loss limits on pokies and online betting, to stop gambling causing more harm. grattan.edu.au/report/a-bette…