SCAM ALERT!!

Please be aware that a request to pay a deposit up front to a car broker is suspect. Advice has been received from the Australian Automotive Dealer Association and MTA NSW.  The industry standard is that, after a car has been identified by a broker, the broker requests $1,000 deposit for a vehicle costing up to $50,000. For an identified vehicle costing over $50,000 the broker should request a $2,000 deposit.  

NCB National Car Brokers, which is listed in the TPI NSW Concessions booklet, appears to have recently been taken over by scammers. Our enquiries have revealed that several people who have recently paid deposits to purchase a car through NCB National Car Brokers have not received their car, and their deposit has not been refunded. NCB National Car Brokers, despite being registered with the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC), is also now not contactable by phone. TPI NSW have reported the situation to NSW Police, Scamwatch and other authorities.

NSW Police have advised that there are currently “hundreds” of car sale scams being operated by professional criminals. NSW Police further advise that the safest way to buy a car is directly from a dealership.

Please take care to avoid being targeted by scammers. Scamwatch has resources to help protect yourself and loved ones from scams: https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/stay-protected/how-to-spot-and-avoid-scams

 

Wellbeing and Compensation Advocates Infosheet

The Defence Family Career Comeback Course was a new initiative in 2022 to support Defence and veteran family members realise their full career potential following time away from the workforce or their preferred career path. See the report here.