TAL is defending itself against accusations that a subsidiary is sending unsolicited emails in a campaign encouraging people to take up funeral insurance in return for bonus gifts.

Media reports say the policies – offered by wholly owned direct operator Insuranceline – come with a choice of movie tickets, a gift card or a tablet. The emails were sent to thousands of people.

One email reads: “Funeral Insurance is a smart idea. And it's even smarter when it comes with a bonus. That's why with Insuranceline you'll get a bonus gift with every policy for a limited time only. Choose from a Lenovo tablet, $100 Visa gift card or eight movie tickets – whichever you prefer.”

But TAL says sending unsolicited emails doesn’t form any part of its marketing activity.

“Any email marketing campaigns undertaken by Insuranceline rely on having obtained consent by individuals to receive marketing materials, and invite them to visit the website to find out more information at their discretion,” a spokeswoman told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“All requirements in relation to providing an unsubscribe option from the publisher’s email list are complied with, and TAL also includes an additional unsubscribe option which removes a recipient from all lists for Insuranceline marketing emails.”

Some of the recipients reportedly included Consumer Action Law Centre CEO Gerard Brody and a senior financial services executive, who says he has never been a customer of TAL or Insuranceline and hadn’t consented to receive emails from the company. Attempts to unsubscribe were also unsuccessful.

Emails were sent from different domain names, which the financial services executive says were to evade blacklists created by their targets.

“TAL uses a reputable Australian partner to send marketing EDMs (electronic direct marketing) on our behalf, and we are committed to ensuring any marketing campaign is compliant with all relevant laws and regulations,” the spokeswoman said.

She says TAL strongly supports the anti-hawking provisions and the Spam act to protect consumers from pressure sales tactics and unsolicited marketing. Anti-hawking laws target unsolicited phone calls and meetings.

A joint submission to the corporate regulator by the Consumer Action Law Centre and other consumer groups earlier this year urged it to use its product intervention powers to target funeral insurance to prevent further consumer harm.