PESEL blockade. When, how and why is it worth securing your data?

Protecting your PESEL number against unauthorized use is becoming more and more popular. The Ministry of Digitization reminds that blocking the PESEL number can be canceled at any time, but re-securing it may take from 30 minutes to even 12 hours. This option, introduced in 2023, is intended to effectively protect citizens’ data against financial fraud.

How does blocking the PESEL number work?

From November 2023, application users mCitizen they can reserve their PESEL number without having to visit the office. This process is aimed at preventing cases of loan fraud and other frauds, e.g. Thanks to this, financial institutions, such as banks or lending companies, are obliged to check the data in the PESEL Number Objection Register before approving the contract.

Withdrawing the restriction of the PESEL number is equally simple. This can be done via the mObywatel application, on the website or in person at the commune office. The decision to unblock the PESEL number may be temporary or permanent, which provides the user with great flexibility in managing the protection of their data.

Real-life examples – what is worth knowing?

The Ministry of Digitization provides examples of situations in which blocking the PESEL number requires special attention. Ania, who after purchasing household appliances had to wait 30 minutes to block her number again, or Marcin, who discovered at the bank that it would take 12 hours to unblock access to funds, are examples of everyday difficulties resulting from data protection.

A restricted PESEL number may need to be unblocked when signing contracts with various institutions, e.g. banks, creditors or telecommunications operators. It is important to be aware of this and plan actions in advance.

Changes in PESEL protection from 2024

From June 1, 2024, significant changes were introduced in the regulations. If someone tries to take out a loan using a proprietary PESEL number, the injured person will not be obliged to repay the debt. The requirement will be for the reservation register number to be verified by all financial institutions before the loan is approved.

If your ID card is lost, your PESEL number is automatically secured. Such protection is activated regardless of the process of issuing a new document. According to the Ministry of Digitization, over 4 million Poles have already used this opportunity, which proves the growing interest in data protection.