Identity theft is a growing threat in the digital world. In 2023 alone, more than 50,000 phishing attempts using stolen personal information were reported in Poland. Reserving your PESEL number is an effective tool to protect yourself from fraudsters, making it significantly more difficult for our data to be used for criminal purposes. In this comprehensive guide, we explain everything you need to know about reserving your PESEL number - from the application process, to the required documents, to the practical implications of this decision for your daily life.
Shortcuts
- What is the reservation of the PESEL number?
- What does reserving the PESEL number give us?
- Who can reserve a PESEL number?
- How to reserve the PESEL number?
- What documents are needed to reserve a PESEL number?
- How much does it cost to reserve a PESEL number?
- How long does it take to reserve a PESEL number?
- What happens after the PESEL number is withheld?
- Can I check if my PESEL has been restricted?
- How often should the PESEL number restriction be renewed?
- In what situations is it worth reserving the PESEL number?
- What are the consequences of not retaining the PESEL number after it is leaked?
- Does the PESEL disclaimer affect daily life?
- How to remove the disclaimer from the PESEL number?
- What to do in case of a phishing attempt on a restricted PESEL?
- What institutions respect the reservation of the PESEL number?
- What is the difference between a PESEL disclaimer and a BIK alert?
- What are the most common methods of stealing PESEL data?
- How do you further secure your personal information in addition to the PESEL disclaimer?
- Where to report cases of PESEL number misuse?
What is the reservation of the PESEL number?
The blocking of the PESEL number is a security mechanism that significantly hinders the use of our personal information by unauthorized persons. It is a form of preventive protection that works on a similar basis to the reservation of documents or payment cards. The system was introduced as a response to the growing number of cases of identity theft and credit fraud.
In practice, withholding PESEL means adding our number to a special database that financial institutions and other identity verifiers can access. When someone tries to use the reserved PESEL number, the system automatically signals the need for additional identity verification.
It is worth emphasizing that the reservation of the PESEL does not block the use of this number by its rightful owner. Rather, it is an additional layer of security that requires increased vigilance in verifying the identity of the person using the number.
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What does reserving the PESEL number give us?
Withholding our PESEL number provides multi-level protection of our identity. First of all, it makes it significantly more difficult for criminals to incur financial obligations in our name. Any attempt to use a restricted PESEL number automatically triggers additional verification procedures.
This system is particularly effective in protecting against attempts to defraud loans or credits. Financial institutions that have access to the database of restricted PESEL numbers can immediately identify potential fraud attempts and take appropriate security measures.
In addition, reserving PESEL can protect us from other forms of fraud, such as attempts to enter into telecommunications, leasing or rental agreements using our data. This is especially important in the context of the growing number of identity theft crimes on the Internet.
It is also worth noting that reserving the PESEL number can act as an early warning system. In the event of an attempted unauthorized use of our data, we can be quickly informed, allowing us to react immediately and take appropriate legal action.
Who can reserve a PESEL number?
The right to reserve a PESEL number is available to any natural person with a Polish PESEL number. This service is available to both adults and legal guardians acting on behalf of minors or incapacitated persons.
It is particularly important that the reservation can only be made by the owner of the PESEL number or a person legally authorized to act on his behalf. This is a safeguard against unauthorized reservation of other people’s PESEL numbers, which could lead to abuse.
In the case of deceased persons, the right to reserve the PESEL number passes to the heirs or persons authorized to administer the estate. This is an important safeguard against the use of deceased persons’ data for criminal purposes.
It is worth emphasizing that legal entities cannot reserve the PESEL numbers of their employees or customers without their express consent and authorization. Maintaining this principle is key to protecting the privacy and autonomy of individuals in managing their own personal data.
How to reserve the PESEL number?
The process of reserving a PESEL number can be accomplished in several ways, each designed for your convenience and security. The basic method is to visit any bank branch participating in the PESEL number blocking system. Note that we do not have to be a customer of the bank in question to use this service.
An increasing number of institutions also make it possible to reserve a PESEL number online, through dedicated electronic platforms. In this case, it is crucial to have a trusted profile or a qualified electronic signature, which allow secure verification of identity.
An alternative method is to submit the application in writing and send it by mail to the relevant institution. In this case, it is necessary to notarize the signature, which is an additional safeguard against unauthorized reservation of the number.
What documents are needed to reserve a PESEL number?
When reserving a PESEL number, it is necessary to present a set of documents proving our identity. The basic document is a valid identity card or passport. For foreigners with a Polish PESEL number, residence cards or other identity documents recognized by Polish law are also accepted.
In addition to an identity document, additional documents may be required, especially in special situations. For example, if you are acting on behalf of a minor, it will be necessary to provide a document confirming the right to representation (such as a child’s birth certificate).
When reserving the PESEL number of a deceased person, it will be necessary to provide a death certificate and documents confirming the right to act on behalf of the deceased. This may include a decree of inheritance or a certificate of inheritance.
How much does it cost to reserve a PESEL number?
The reservation of the PESEL number is a service that is completely free of charge, which is an important part of the state’s policy on protecting citizens’ personal data. This free of charge includes both the reservation process itself and its subsequent maintenance in the system.
However, it is important to note that certain accompanying activities may incur certain costs. For example, if you choose to have your signature notarized when submitting an application by mail, you will have to pay the cost of the notary service.
It is also worth noting that while the caveat itself is free, some additional services related to monitoring attempts to use our PESEL number may be chargeable. However, these are optional services that do not affect the effectiveness of the caveat itself.
How long does it take to reserve a PESEL number?
The process of reserving a PESEL number is relatively quick, although the turnaround time may vary depending on the method chosen. In the case of a personal visit to the bank, the reservation is usually entered into the system immediately, and is activated within 24 hours.
When using electronic methods, the application processing time may be slightly longer, but usually does not exceed 48 hours from the time all required documents are properly submitted. The system automatically verifies the correctness of the data entered and the compliance of the documentation.
In the case of applications submitted by mail, the additional time required for the delivery of documents and their verification by the relevant services must be taken into account. In this situation, the entire process can take up to 7 working days.
What happens after the PESEL number is withheld?
Once the PESEL number is successfully reserved, this information is automatically disseminated to the interbank system and is available to all participating institutions. The system begins to monitor any attempt to use the reserved PESEL number in financial transactions and other activities requiring identity verification.
Any attempt to use a restricted PESEL number will require additional, in-depth identity verification. This may include the need to appear in person at a facility, present additional documents or contact the PESEL number holder by phone.
It is worth remembering that the reservation of the PESEL number does not affect the validity of contracts and obligations already concluded. It only works for new transactions and contracts, providing an effective safeguard against future fraud attempts.
Can I check if my PESEL has been restricted?
Verification of PESEL number reservation status is possible through several channels. The simplest method is to contact a bank participating in the PESEL number reservation system. A bank employee, after verifying our identity, can check the current status of the reservation.
An increasing number of institutions are also making it possible to check the status of a reservation online, through dedicated electronic platforms. This usually requires authentication with a trusted profile or electronic banking.
In addition, we can receive notifications about attempts to use our restricted PESEL number if we choose to activate such a service. This is particularly useful in quickly detecting potential fraud attempts.
How often should the PESEL number restriction be renewed?
Reservation of a PESEL number is indefinite and does not require periodic renewal. After being reserved once, it remains active until the owner of the PESEL number decides to revoke it.
This is an important convenience that eliminates the need to remember to renew reservations on a regular basis. The system is designed to provide continuous protection without the additional burden of paperwork on users.
However, it is worth checking the status of the disclaimer periodically to make sure the system is working properly and our data is still protected. This is especially important after any changes to identity documents or personal information.
In what situations is it worth reserving the PESEL number?
The blocking of the PESEL number is particularly recommended in several key situations. First of all, when identity documents have been stolen or lost. In such cases, the risk of our data being used by unauthorized persons is significantly increased.
Another important situation is the suspicion that personal data has been leaked, for example, as a result of a hacking attack on the systems of companies or institutions whose services we use. Reserving PESEL then provides an additional layer of protection against the potential use of stolen data.
It’s also worth considering reserving your PESEL number as a prophylactic measure, especially if you frequently use online services or your personal information is widely available due to the nature of your work. This is a form of protection against potential future fraud attempts.
What are the consequences of not retaining the PESEL number after it is leaked?
Failure to respond by reserving our PESEL number after it has been leaked can lead to serious consequences. Criminals can use our data to incur financial obligations, the repayment of which will later fall on us. The process of proving that we were not the ones who took on a particular obligation can be lengthy and complicated.
An unproprietary PESEL number can also be used for other forms of crime, such as defrauding social security benefits, entering into fictitious employment contracts or setting up shell companies. Any such situation can result in serious legal and financial problems for the owner of the PESEL number.
In addition, the lack of a disclaimer can make it more difficult to later assert one’s rights if fraud is discovered. Financial institutions may question our due diligence in securing their own data, which could affect the claims process.
Does the PESEL disclaimer affect daily life?
The obfuscation of the PESEL number has a minimal impact on our daily functioning. Basic activities, such as the use of already held bank accounts, payment cards or contracts, are not affected in any way by the disclaimer.
The only noticeable difference occurs when entering into new contracts or making significant financial commitments. In such situations, the verification process may be slightly longer due to additional security measures.
It is important to note that a disclaimer does not block the use of a PESEL number by its rightful owner. It only requires additional identity verification, which is a small inconvenience compared to the benefits of better protection of our data.
It is also worth mentioning that more and more institutions are adapting their procedures to make the process of additional verification the least burdensome for customers, using modern methods of electronic identification.
How to remove the disclaimer from the PESEL number?
The procedure for taking the disclaimer off the PESEL number is similar to the process of applying it. It requires a personal appearance at a banking facility or the use of an electronic platform with proper authentication.
Before removing the caveat, it is worth carefully analyzing whether it is necessary. In most cases, maintaining a disclaimer does not generate any significant inconvenience, and it provides ongoing protection against potential abuse.
In the case of a decision to remove a disclaimer, the process is usually done in real time in the banking system, although it can take up to 24 hours for a full update across all cooperating institutions.
What to do in case of a phishing attempt on a restricted PESEL?
If an attempt to use a restricted PESEL number is detected, a series of security measures should be taken immediately. The first step should be to file a report with the police or the prosecutor’s office about the attempted crime.
At the same time, it is worth contacting the institution where the phishing attempt was made to obtain detailed information about the incident. This information can be crucial for law enforcement in the process of detecting the perpetrators.
It is also good practice to inform the Credit Information Bureau and file a disclosure request about attempts to use our data. This will allow us to monitor potential further fraud attempts.
What institutions respect the reservation of the PESEL number?
The PESEL number withholding system is recognized by a wide range of financial institutions and other entities. First and foremost are banks, both commercial and cooperative, and other credit institutions operating in Poland.
Also connected to the system are leasing companies, cell phone operators, ISPs and other providers of services that require identity verification. The list of participants in the system is constantly expanding as the importance of personal data protection grows.
It is worth noting that an increasing number of state institutions are also including information about restricted PESEL numbers in their verification procedures, further enhancing the effectiveness of this safeguard.
What is the difference between a PESEL disclaimer and a BIK alert?
The PESEL number disclaimer and the BIK alert are two different but complementary protection mechanisms. The PESEL disclaimer acts as a shield against attempts to use our data, forcing additional identity verification.
BIK Alert, on the other hand, is an information service that alerts us to any attempt to check our credit history or make a financial commitment. It is an early warning system that allows us to react quickly to unauthorized activities.
The most effective protection is provided by using both mechanisms simultaneously. Reserving PESEL makes it more difficult for criminals to act, while a BIK alert allows us to monitor any attempts to use our data in the financial sector.
What are the most common methods of stealing PESEL data?
Criminals use a variety of methods to obtain PESEL numbers. One of the most popular is phishing, which is the extraction of data through fake websites or emails impersonating well-known institutions.
Data leaks from various company and institutional databases as a result of cyber attacks are also increasingly common. Criminals can also obtain PESEL numbers by stealing documents or photographing them in places where they are required for verification.
Particularly dangerous are cases of social engineering, where criminals manipulate victims by getting them to voluntarily share their personal information. In doing so, they often take advantage of time pressure or emotions, such as fear or the desire for profit.
How do you further secure your personal information in addition to the PESEL disclaimer?
Comprehensive protection of personal data requires a multi-level approach. In addition to reserving your PESEL number, it is a good idea to use strong passwords for all online accounts and change them regularly. It is also important to use two-factor authentication wherever possible.
Be very careful when sharing your personal information, especially on the Internet. It is a good idea to verify the credibility of websites and not to provide PESEL data in places where it is not absolutely necessary.
It is good practice to regularly monitor your credit history and check your bank statements for suspicious transactions. You should also consider taking out additional identity theft insurance.
Where to report cases of PESEL number misuse?
If the misuse of a PESEL number is detected, it is necessary to act on several fronts simultaneously. The first step should be to file a report with the police or the prosecutor’s office. It is a good idea to prepare in advance all evidence and documentation related to the fraud.
At the same time, the incident should be reported to the Office of Personal Data Protection (OPA), especially if the leak occurred as a result of negligence on the part of companies or institutions processing our personal data.
It is also important to inform the financial institutions you use and the Credit Information Bureau. It is also worth contacting the Association of Polish Banks if you detect attempts to defraud loans or other financial obligations.
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