Heat put on cold-callers

COLD-CALLERS who prey on children and the elderly claiming to be government officials trying to get personal details could soon be banned after the State Government announced they plan to crack down on the “insidious” practice.

Treasurer Jackie Trad told a Parliamentary Estimates hearing that “claim farming” of Queensland’s compulsory third party insurance scheme was on the rise, sparking fears that premiums paid on vehicle registration would be forced to increase as a result.

The practice sees members of the public receive random calls or social media messages asking for their personal details regarding their involvement in car accidents.

Ms Trad said “claim farmers” then gathered the personal data and sold it on for significant money.