A one-stop shop for consumers and small businesses with complaints about financial firms says compensation could flow to some of the more than 140 people it heard from during a visit to Dubbo.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Insurance issues were among the most common concerns residents raised with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) on Friday, it reported.
A non-government organisation, in AFCA's first 11 months of operation it received more than 247 financial complaints and awarded more than $218,970 in compensation to residents of the Dubbo Regional Council area.
AFCA communications executive general manager Kathy Bowlen was in Dubbo on Friday and anticipates the sum could rise in the future.
"It was great to be in Dubbo speaking face-to-face with residents seeking advice regarding issues with financial firms including banks, credit and insurance organisations, investments, financial advice and superannuation," she said.
"The Dubbo event has helped to increase awareness of AFCA among local residents.
"With the number of residents likely to lodge a complaint after Friday's event, it is very likely more compensation will be awarded to Dubbo residents in the future."
- READ ALSO: No conspiracy about Lundholm's debut winner
Dubbo was one of more than 80 communities across Australia included on AFCA's Financial Fairness Roadshow itinerary.
Ms Bowlen said less than half of those who experience a problem with a financial firm actually make a complaint about it.
"If it's an issue that has affected you enough to talk to family and friends about, chances are that you have a case to investigate," she said.
"Our advice is the same for consumers and small businesses in Dubbo - we recommend you try and resolve the issue with your financial provider directly first.
"If this is unsuccessful, you can make a complaint to AFCA for free, and we will independently investigate the complaint."