In recent months, a startling wave of fraudulent activity has emerged in Poland, leading to alarm among experts and ordinary citizens alike. Criminals are increasingly using stolen personal data, particularly PESEL numbers, to secure fictitious OC (motor liability) insurance policies, which comes with far-reaching consequences for the victims.
According to data from the Polish Insurance Association (PIU), the number of attempted insurance fraud cases jumped to over 37,000 in 2023, marking an increase of 5,000 compared to the previous year. This uptick has resulted in failed fraudulent claims amounting to approximately 452 million PLN, raising serious concerns about the ongoing threat of identity theft driven by these new fraudulent activities.
Experts from the ChronPESEL.pl service and the National Debt Register warn that this new method involves fraudsters purchasing OC insurance policies using stolen personal data, specifically paying only the first installment. As a result, insurance companies are legally unable to terminate these contracts until their expiration, even when further payments are not made. Instead, claims for unpaid premiums fall upon the unwitting individual whose identity has been co-opted for the transaction.
One particularly alarming case involved a resident of Piotrków Trybunalski, whose personal data was misappropriated to insure a staggering 27 vehicles. A similar fate befell a resident of Łódź, whose information was used 18 times. The potential financial repercussions are immense, with the maximum penalty for lacking mandatory OC insurance in 2025 set at 9,330 PLN. This means that the total possible fines for the 27 vehicles could reach an astounding 251,910 PLN, while the 18 vehicles could accumulate fines totaling 167,940 PLN.
As Bartłomiej Drozd, an expert from ChronPESEL.pl, pointed out, “This type of behavior was expected, as personal data has been a highly valuable commodity traded on the Internet for several years. Consequently, the likelihood that criminals will use stolen PESEL numbers to establish fictitious OC contracts is notably high.” He further explained that insurance companies and used car sellers do not have a statutory obligation to verify whether a PESEL number has been reserved by the consumer, unlike banks, loan companies, and telecommunications operators.
The surge in identity theft has profound implications for consumers, particularly as many remain unaware of the potential risks in sharing their personal information online. “It’s vital to monitor one’s PESEL regularly, as it allows individuals to react quickly if their data is used improperly by third parties,” advises Drozd.
Another significant area of concern is the rise of fraudulent sales contracts for automobiles. Fraudsters often impersonate third parties during such transactions, which creates vulnerabilities for genuine buyers. In many cases, sellers neglect to verify the identities of potential buyers, leaving room for additional malpractice.
Take the case of a resident of Piotrków Trybunalski again, whose identity was exploited for multiple car sales contracts. The conditions here are particularly treacherous, as the OC policy is tied to the vehicle rather than the owner. Thus, the new buyer can continue the insurance purchased under the false pretense until the policy naturally expires. If the insurance was originally based on stolen PESEL numbers, the real individual faces penalties for having no active OC insurance.
This systemic issue has prompted calls for greater security measures across all sectors that handle personal data. Experts fear that unless reviewed thoroughly, discrepancies in data could pass unnoticed. Malpractices often involve incorrect name and address information, or even invalid identification numbers—all of which may no longer conform to the registered details.
To mitigate risks and combat the growing trend of fraud, insured individuals need to take immediate action. Victims of such schemes must report their situations promptly to law enforcement and the Insurance Guarantee Fund, alongside informing their insurance providers to prevent accrual of overdue penalties.
Overall, the landscape of insurance fraud in Poland has adapted to capitalize on systemic weaknesses in personal data protection, leading to a demand for increased diligence from both individuals and institutions. Monitoring and protecting one’s personal data is more crucial than ever as the potential consequences of identity theft have become increasingly grave.
In the wake of these revelations, experts advise the public to exercise heightened caution in sharing personal details and emphasize the importance of safeguarding one's PESEL number. This will be pivotal in reducing the scope of fraud and protecting personal financial interests.
