FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Embedded Files
Have Questions? See if one of your questions has already been answered in our FAQ section from customers just like you, or get in touch with us.
Is this a scam?
No. Most of our customers are sceptical when we first approach them as they cannot understand how lost money and shares arise. Smarter Claims offers a genuine service to reclaim lost money and shares. Please check our credentials with ASIC, the Unclaimed Money Association of Australia (UMAA), and customer reviews on Trustpilot.
How is my personal information protected?
Our Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose and safeguard your information when you interact with our services and website. Your privacy is important to us and keeping your information secure is a top priority.
How did you find my contact details?
Our research team uses sophisticated tools and has developed intelligent solutions to match lost money and shares to rightful owners. We can assure you that everything we do is legal and ethical and any personal information collected is managed in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
How long will it take to reclaim lost money and shares?
It depends on the source and holding authority of lost money and shares. Most lost money and shares can be reclaimed within 30 – 60 days of a claim being submitted. We will do our best to reclaim the lost money and shares quickly but will keep you updated on progress.
Why do I need to sign the Authority to Act Form?
This gives us the legal authority to act on your behalf to reclaim your lost money and shares. It also allows us to undertake any searches and procedures required to investigate and reclaim the lost money and shares, including all dealings with the holding authorities.
How much will I have to pay for your services?
With our “No Claim, No Service Fee” promise you only pay the Service Fee if we are successful in claiming your lost money and shares. Our Service Fee is 18% + GST (subject to a minimum fee of $450 + GST), on all lost money and the value of shares successfully recovered.
What is a certified copy and why is it required?
A certified copy is a photocopy of an original document that has been signed as a “true and correct copy” by a Justice of the Peace or similar. People who can certify documents include doctors, dentists, pharmacists, bank managers, solicitors, accountants, etc. We will advise you depending on the holding authorities' requirements. Certified copies are sometimes required to ensure that all documents supporting a claim for lost money are authentic.
How will I receive the lost money and shares reclaimed?
Once your claim is approved, the holding authorities will make payment to you. In cases where a payment is sent to us, we will either deposit the cheque payment into your nominated bank account or transfer the money to you by Electronic Funds Transfer.
For shares reclaimed, the share registry will send you a holding statement confirming the allotment of shares to you and your unique HIN/SRN. The HIN/SRN can be used to add the reclaimed shares to your broker account/trading platform e.g. CommSec.
Why can't you reveal the full details of my lost money upfront?
Due to privacy and confidentiality reasons, we can only provide more information once we have verified your identity and you have returned the Authority to Act Form. This protects both parties and ensures we are dealing with the rightful owners of the lost money and shares.
What if I don't want to claim the lost money and shares?
We respect your decision for whatever reason. Some of our customers decide to reclaim the lost money and shares using our services but then instruct us to donate the money or sales proceeds from the sale of shares to a charity of their choice.
Why do I need to provide identification and other documents?
We and holding authorities have an obligation to ensure that lost money and shares are only returned to rightful owners. With the prevalence of fraud, it is normal procedure for holding authorities to request documents that provide proof of identification and a connection to the last known address on record with the financial institutions or companies that originally held the money or shares.
Can I claim the lost money and shares myself?
Yes, but we don’t recommend it due to the complexity of the claims processes. It would be akin to you representing yourself in court and requiring professional assistance to increase the probability of success. Smarter Claims has built strong relationships with the holding authorities and has a strong track record of successfully reclaiming lost money and shares.
What protections exist to ensure I get the reclaimed money?
Holding authorities notify you directly when a claim has been approved so that you can expect payment from them or us into your nominated bank account. In addition, cheque payments are issued in the name of the customer and can only be deposited into your nominated bank account.
Page updated
Report abuse