The government has noticed that identity theft and borrowing on behalf of others is a growing problem. It happens that after gaining access to our basic personal data (e.g. loss of ID card), the criminal is able to take out a loan on behalf of an unaware person. The digitization ministry – wanting to stop such a practice – will allow us to reserve our PESEL number.
The Ministry of Digitization will give the possibility of “blocking” the PESEL number
on Thursday, the Standing Committee of the Council of Ministers adopted a draft amendment to the law (and it was considered by the legal committee), which is to help effectively protect against the effects of identity theft. Janusz Cieszyński, the Minister of Digitization, explains that blocking the PESEL number will block the possibility of incurring financial obligations (both by the criminal and the owner of the PESEL number). This is primarily about the possibility of taking a loan, loan or leasing and obtaining (on behalf of someone) a duplicate SIM card for the phone, but also withdrawing cash at bank branches.
Financial institutions, before granting a loan, and operators, before issuing a duplicate, will be required to check whether the person has previously reserved their data. They will do it in the state register of restricted PESEL numbers, which is to be implemented in September this year. The ministry believes that the possibility of imposing a financial “block” on your data will protect us from the financial consequences of identity theft and the possibility of someone making a duplicate for our SIM card. In addition, the regulations are intended to reduce the losses of the financial sector resulting from extortion of stolen personal data.
Reserving the PESEL number will of course be entirely voluntary. Such a request can be submitted in several ways – in the mObywatel application, at the office where the loss of the ID card is reported or at post offices. As MC points out, the latter method is intended to make it easier for the elderly to reserve their data, and it is they who most often fall victim to fraud using the “grandson” and “policeman” methods, consisting in extorting savings (or money from loans) by impersonating a family member or service officer.
Source: Gazeta
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