Five independent brokers have been identified as allegedly using personal client information to submit unauthorised policy applications to Liberty Life, the financial-services group said on Wednesday.
Spokesperson Mandy Denton said Liberty Life had sent one forensic investigator to KwaZulu-Natal to assist police with investigations into the alleged policy fraud.
”Liberty Life adopts zero tolerance towards fraud or any other crime. All such allegations are treated seriously, and investigated thoroughly by group forensic services, who will additionally assist the authorities in the investigation and prosecution of offenders,” said Denton.
”As soon as we have more information we will share it,” she said.
Liberty Life distribution executive Bobby Malabie said: ”Liberty Life is working with the police to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.”
”We are glad to have had this matter brought to our attention and that a resolution was reached expediently.”
On Wednesday, Denton said some of the customers who had been falsely billed had been repaid and Liberty Life was busy repaying the rest of the people wrongly billed.
”Liberty Life has opened cases against the five individuals and is in the process of writing a supporting affidavit so that police can charge those allegedly involved,” said Denton.
”Fraud is a worldwide concern and criminals are constantly finding new and innovative ways to commit crime. In South Africa, incidences of payslip and identity theft are on the rise and we urge members of the public to be vigilant and protect their personal information,” said Denton.
Liberty Life called on consumers to report fraud through its 24-hour toll-free hotline on 0800 20 45 57. — Sapa