Protect Yourself. Don't Abbreviate 2020.

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As we roll into a new year and a new decade, the 'twenty-twenties' has provided scammers with a unique opportunity to forge documents and potentially defraud you.

Even though it’s common practice to shorten the year when writing down a date, doing the same abbreviation in 2020 could leave you open to all sorts of legal ramifications.

For example, adding a '21' to the end of an old / out-of-date cheque marked 01/02/20 could potentially reinstate its value. Similarly, an agreement to pay someone a monthly amount could be back-dated to 2018, meaning you might be liable to pay considerably more than actually required.

Scam 'artists' are aptly named for a reason - they're a clever bunch and will find loopholes to manipulate you where they can. So, don't take the risk for a fix that requires minimal effort. Err on the side of caution. Get into the habit of writing the year in full when signing and dating any legal and financial documents, such as contracts and cheques.

 

Where are the biggest problem areas?

Employment contracts

Abbreviating 2020 to 20 in your employment contract could cause problems when it comes to your entitlement to certain benefits if the date were to be amended to a year or two later. This is because a lot of benefits, (e.g. annual leave, sick pay, maternity pay), are determined by your length of service and your employer could get away with paying you less than what you’re entitled to.

Loan & payment contracts

Write the date out in full when entering into any new financial contracts. If a loan contract states repayment is to start 12 months from the date it was taken out (01/03/20), the year could easily be changed to 2019 by the lender or another party. This could lead them to demand repayment straight away.

Another way you could be caught out is if they backdate the contract, making it look like you’ve had the loan for a longer period of time so they can charge you more in interest.

Vehicle transfer documents

If you buy or sell a vehicle within 2020, it’s crucial you write the full date on any ownership or transfer documents. This is because the new owner could change the date on the documents to make it appear as if you were the owner of the vehicle at a time of any motoring offence, such as speeding, red light cameras, parking fines, or even criminal activity.

Tenancy documents

If you start a new rental tenancy this year, make sure you write the date in full when signing the rental contract. Problems could occur if the landlord were to change the date on the agreement to make it appear as if you lived in the property before you actually moved in, or even after having actually moved out. This could make you liable for damages to the property that occurred before or after you were living there.

Insurance documents

It’s important to make sure that all documents to do with any insurance policies show the right dates in terms of cover start and expiry dates. Writing an abbreviated date such as 03/03/20 could be easily altered by somebody else, leading to a lot of unnecessary problems should you need to make any claims.

Personal agreements & contracts

If you loan a friend some money and enter into any personal agreements or contracts with them, include the full date by which the money should be repaid by. If the date was abbreviated, then it could potentially be changed by the other party in order to add an extra year or two on to the repayment term.

 

Take a little extra caution this year and write out 2020 in full wherever it calls for it, because it will go a long way in ensuring you and your business are protected from back-dated fraudulent transactions and identity theft risks.

DISCLAIMER:
This article is informational only and should not be construed as individual advice as it does not consider your individual needs. You should consider if the insurance is suitable for you and read the Product Disclosure Statement or policy Wording before buying insurance.

Protect Yourself. Don't Abbreviate 2020.

Protect Yourself. Don't Abbreviate 2020. 

As we roll into a new year and a new decade, the 'twenty-twenties' has provided scammers with a unique opportunity to forge documents and potentially defraud you.

Even though it’s common practice to shorten the year when writing down a date, doing the same abbreviation in 2020 could leave you open to all sorts of legal ramifications.

For example, adding a '21' to the end of an old / out-of-date cheque marked 01/02/20 could potentially reinstate its value. Similarly, an agreement to pay someone a monthly amount could be back-dated to 2018, meaning you might be liable to pay considerably more than actually required.

Scam 'artists' are aptly named for a reason - they're a clever bunch and will find loopholes to manipulate you where they can. So, don't take the risk for a fix that requires minimal effort. Err on the side of caution. Get into the habit of writing the year in full when signing and dating any legal and financial documents, such as contracts and cheques.

 

Where are the biggest problem areas?

Employment contracts

Abbreviating 2020 to 20 in your employment contract could cause problems when it comes to your entitlement to certain benefits if the date were to be amended to a year or two later. This is because a lot of benefits, (e.g. annual leave, sick pay, maternity pay), are determined by your length of service and your employer could get away with paying you less than what you’re entitled to.

Loan & payment contracts

Write the date out in full when entering into any new financial contracts. If a loan contract states repayment is to start 12 months from the date it was taken out (01/03/20), the year could easily be changed to 2019 by the lender or another party. This could lead them to demand repayment straight away.

Another way you could be caught out is if they backdate the contract, making it look like you’ve had the loan for a longer period of time so they can charge you more in interest.

Vehicle transfer documents

If you buy or sell a vehicle within 2020, it’s crucial you write the full date on any ownership or transfer documents. This is because the new owner could change the date on the documents to make it appear as if you were the owner of the vehicle at a time of any motoring offence, such as speeding, red light cameras, parking fines, or even criminal activity.

Tenancy documents

If you start a new rental tenancy this year, make sure you write the date in full when signing the rental contract. Problems could occur if the landlord were to change the date on the agreement to make it appear as if you lived in the property before you actually moved in, or even after having actually moved out. This could make you liable for damages to the property that occurred before or after you were living there.

Insurance documents

It’s important to make sure that all documents to do with any insurance policies show the right dates in terms of cover start and expiry dates. Writing an abbreviated date such as 03/03/20 could be easily altered by somebody else, leading to a lot of unnecessary problems should you need to make any claims.

Personal agreements & contracts

If you loan a friend some money and enter into any personal agreements or contracts with them, include the full date by which the money should be repaid by. If the date was abbreviated, then it could potentially be changed by the other party in order to add an extra year or two on to the repayment term.

 

Take a little extra caution this year and write out 2020 in full wherever it calls for it, because it will go a long way in ensuring you and your business are protected from back-dated fraudulent transactions and identity theft risks.

DISCLAIMER:
This article is informational only and should not be construed as individual advice as it does not consider your individual needs. You should consider if the insurance is suitable for you and read the Product Disclosure Statement or policy Wording before buying insurance.

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Gary Perera

Senior Insurance Broker

With 35 years’ experience in the insurance industry, Gary is a Senior Insurance Broker at Midland with extensive knowledge across a wide range of business sectors. He specialises in insurance for breweries, distilleries, cafés, restaurants, and manufacturing businesses, bringing a depth of practical insight to every client engagement.

Known for his thorough and considered approach, Gary takes the time to understand how each business operates before delivering clear, tailored insurance solutions. A committed professional, he has completed numerous industry qualifications and is a proud member of ANZIIF, maintaining his expertise through ongoing education and regular engagement with industry developments.

Outside of work, Gary is an avid sports enthusiast who enjoys running, football, and cricket. He remains driven by a simple principle: continuous improvement and delivering the highest standard of advice to his clients.

Angus Matheson

Angus Matheson

Senior Insurance Broker

With more than 21 years’ experience in the insurance industry, Angus is a Senior Insurance Broker specialising in Road Freight Transport insurance. He is recognised for his deep understanding of the transport sector and his ability to deliver tailored risk solutions that address the operational and commercial challenges faced by transport businesses.

Angus takes an empathetic, client-first approach, investing the time to understand each business, its priorities, and its risk profile before providing advice. A committed professional, he holds accreditations with NIBA, ANZIIF, CIP, and QPIB, and remains actively engaged with industry developments through ongoing education and professional involvement. His focus is on delivering reliable protection that supports business continuity and long-term confidence.

Sarah Grose

Sarah Grose

Senior Insurance Broker

With more than 17 years’ experience in the insurance industry -including 16 years with Midland - Sarah brings deep expertise and a genuine commitment to helping clients protect what matters most. Having held a range of roles across the business, including management positions, she has a well-rounded understanding of both client needs and the broader insurance landscape.

Sarah specialises in small to medium-sized business insurance, with particular expertise in the film and television sector, self-storage, and, more recently, breweries and distilleries. Her approach is focused on making insurance clear, practical, and tailored to each client’s circumstances. Known for her approachable and solution-focused style, Sarah builds long-term relationships grounded in trust, reliability, and understanding.

She holds a Diploma of Insurance Broking and remains actively engaged in ongoing professional development to ensure her advice stays current and relevant.

Andrew Woff

Andrew Woff

Senior Insurance Broker

With close to 20 years’ experience in the insurance industry, Andrew is a Senior Insurance Broker at Midland specialising in heavy vehicle and equipment insurance, as well as cover for breweries and distilleries. He is particularly well regarded for his ability to secure tailored, cost-effective solutions for assets involving motors, wheels, or tracks, alongside his strong understanding of the risks unique to alcohol production businesses.

Andrew works with a wide range of clients, from sole traders through to large-scale operations, and is known for his clear communication, flexible approach, and commitment to personalised service. A QPIB-accredited broker and member of NIBA, he maintains high professional standards and remains focused on delivering practical, well-considered advice.

Outside the office, Andrew is a proud father of three and an active community volunteer. His interests in music, electronics, mechanics, and brewing reflect the same curiosity and hands-on mindset he brings to his professional work.

Scott McMurtrie

Scott McMurtrie

Senior Insurance Broker

Scott is a Senior Insurance Broker with over 12 years’ experience supporting Australian small and medium-sized businesses. He specialises in tailored insurance solutions across the Film & Entertainment, Transport, and Manufacturing sectors, delivering advice that reflects each client’s specific risks and operations.

With a strong focus on understanding how businesses work in practice, Scott provides clear, relevant cover recommendations backed by ongoing professional development and industry engagement.

Outside the office, he enjoys AFL, soccer, and music, and values building long-term client relationships founded on trust and reliability.

Beau Runnalls

Beau Runnalls

Senior Insurance Broker

Beau is a senior insurance broker at Midland with seven years of industry experience supporting businesses across Australia. He works across a broad range of sectors, with particular expertise in earthmoving, heavy equipment, trades, and the winery industry.

Known for his attention to detail and measured approach, Beau focuses on delivering insurance solutions that are clear, practical, and free from unnecessary complexity. He remains actively engaged in professional development, ensuring his advice reflects current industry standards and best practice.

Beau places strong value on collaboration and long-term client relationships. Outside of work, he enjoys golf and football, reflecting his team-oriented mindset and active approach both professionally and personally.

Alex Petkovic

Alex Petkovic

Senior Insurance Broker  |  Development & Service

With 27 years of experience in the insurance industry, Alex is a senior broker at Midland, recognised for his depth of knowledge, attention to detail, and straightforward approach. While he works across a broad range of businesses, he has a particular focus on clients in the construction and building sectors.

Committed to keeping insurance clear and practical, Alex places a strong emphasis on honesty and client-first advice. He remains actively engaged with industry developments through ongoing professional development and research, and is also a natural mentor, regularly supporting and guiding emerging brokers within the team.

Joshua-Kerr

Joshua Kerr

National Sales Manager

Joshua is Midland’s National Sales Manager, with more than two decades of experience in the insurance industry. His expertise spans a wide range of insurance solutions, with particular depth in the winery and brewery sectors.

Taking a considered, people-focused approach, Joshua works closely with clients to understand how their businesses operate and the risks they face, allowing him to deliver insurance solutions that are both practical and relevant. He is known for his ability to make complex insurance concepts clear and approachable.

Outside of work, Joshua has a strong connection to community, having spent several years coaching junior basketball and serving as Vice President of a children’s basketball club. Staying closely attuned to industry developments, he is committed to helping clients make informed insurance decisions that support their long-term success.

Justin-Lane

Justin Lane

Director

Justin is a Director at Midland and has been part of the business since 2003. With more than two decades of experience, he works closely with small businesses across Australia, helping them secure insurance solutions that genuinely reflect the way they operate.

Known for his practical, solution-focused approach, Justin places strong emphasis on clarity, reliability, and long-term client relationships. His depth of industry knowledge and consistent, hands-on service have seen him become a trusted adviser to many business owners over time.

Damien Lane

Director

Since 2001, Damien has been central to Midland’s evolution, bringing more than two decades of industry experience and a strong commitment to client-focused service. His expertise spans a wide range of sectors, with recognised depth in the brewery and distillery space.

Working with independent brewers across Australia, Damien helps clients navigate complex operational risks with practical, grounded advice. He is known for his industry knowledge, clear communication, and ability to build enduring client relationships.

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