Biznes Fakty
Blocking the PESEL number. Millions of Poles have benefited. Data from the Ministry of Digital Affairs
More than 6.5 million individuals in Poland have opted to block their PESEL number, according to the Ministry of Digital Affairs. This service helps mitigate the risk of credit fraud involving our personal information.
The Ministry of Digital Affairs has reminded that starting from June 1, 2024, all financial institutions (including banks and loan companies) must verify the status of the PESEL number prior to granting loans or credit.
– To date, over 6.5 million individuals have chosen to block their PESEL number. This action significantly lowers the risk of criminals exploiting our data to secure loans. Notably, this process is quick and straightforward through the mObywatel application – stated Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs Krzysztof Gawkowski.
The Ministry highlighted that blocking the PESEL number serves not only as a safeguard against lost documents or identity theft but also as a proactive measure.
How can one block their PESEL number?
There are three methods to block a PESEL number: via the mObywatel application, on the mobywatel.gov.pl website, or by submitting a request to any municipal office.
Blocking a PESEL number is free of charge and voluntary. To utilize this option, one must be an adult with legal capacity.
„If we intend to apply for a loan, for instance, we can easily lift the restriction on our PESEL number and then re-establish it afterward. By electronically lifting the PESEL restriction, we can also set the specific date and time for our PESEL to be automatically reserved again,” the ministry noted.
