Frequently Asked Questions
Have Questions?
below in our FAQ section from clients just like you.
How did you locate me?
Fidelity Choice Asset Recovery Services are Professional Recovery Agents that specialise in reuniting unclaimed funds with their rightful owners. We legitimately and ethically utilise and research various publically available resources to identify probable ownership.
How long will the process to claim my money take?
The timeframe may vary between government agencies, however generally for funds located in Australia, we anticipate a 4-8 week timeframe for recovery, once we have received the required correct documentation, completed and submitted the claim. We will keep you informed and updated as the claim is processed, and provide advisement upon any unexpected delays. Our transparency and prompt communication are key to our success as Professional Recovery Agents.
How much is this going to cost me?
Our service does not involve any upfront fees or payments whatsoever - we charge a flat 15% + GST fee of the amount to be recovered. Please be aware that you will not have to pay anything until the unclaimed asset has been recovered - at this point we will deduct our fee and transfer the balance directly to your nominated bank account.
What happens if I engage Fidelity Choice Asset Recovery Services but the funds are not recovered?
If you engage our services, and the funds are not recovered, there is no fee payable. We will notify you in writing as to the reason why funds were not recoverable.
Where do these unclaimed funds come from?
At Fidelity Choice Asset Recovery Services we deal with many different unclaimed financial asset classes. Commonly we recover unpresented cheques, dormant bank accounts, rental and council bonds, lost share accounts, share dividends, tax refunds, the list goes on. Privacy restrictions prevent us from disclosing the complete details of the unclaimed funds until we confirm with identification that you are the legitimate owner.
What documentation will be required to prove legal ownership of the unclaimed financial asset?
Every different state/commonwealth government institution has different requirements. Commonly you will need to provide certified copies of two main documents -
1. Proof of your identity -valid drivers licence or passport
2. Link to the last known postal address, providing your link to the unclaimed asset, and proof of ownership - documents evidencing proof of ownership can include - rates notice, drivers licence rates bill, utilities bill, bank statements, correspondence from accountant / solicitor.
As a legal requirement we also require a signed Authority to Act to enable us to assist you and commence the claims process.
What is a certified copy and why is it required?
A certified copy is a photocopy of an original document that has been signed and verified as a "true and correct copy" by an approved person. This is required to ensure all documents submitted to support your claim are genuine. Note - you will need to take BOTH the original and photocopy to the person certifying the documents for comparison and authentication.
Who can certify documents?
Different government bodies require certain people to certify and authenticate documents. commonly a Justice of the Peace, doctor, solicitor, pharmacist, dentist, veterinarian, bank manager, police officer. We will communicate to you which profession can certify relevant to your claim.
I have received a letter / phone call, however I am not the person the money is owed to?
If you receive a letter / phone call from us however you are not the rightful owner, please communicate this, and we will amend our records to ensure there is no further contact. If however you know who the rightful owner is, please inform us so we can contact the correct individual/ business directly.
Can I do it myself?
Just as you may use a tax agent to help you lodge your taxes, a refund agent provides professional assistance to facilitate lost money claims, liaising with various government agencies and guiding you throughout the process. We advise to engage our experienced refund consultants to handle financial matters correctly and ensure successful claims resolution.
Why am I being asked for more information?
Government departments often require further identification once the claim has been submitted. Please understand that this is normal and that we endeavour to ensure that your claim is processed as swiftly as possible while adhering to Government department specifications and requirements.
If you have any further queries?
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any further queries via email on admin@fidelitychoice.com.au, or call us directly on (03) 9513 9733
Our dedicated staff are ready to assist you and answer all your questions.