When you are on sick leave, you expect a doctor's visit or maybe a courier. But definitely not an "inspector" who will demand cash right at your doorstep. This is exactly the type of scam that is currently spreading in central Slovakia, and the Social Insurance Agency (Sociálna poisťovňa) urges citizens to be extremely careful.
The criminals pretend to be controllers checking compliance with treatment rules during temporary incapacity for work (práceneschopnosť, or PN). They accuse people of imaginary violations and offer to "resolve the issue" on the spot for a certain amount of cash to avoid further official sanctions.
How the new scam works
The scammers act quite convincingly, targeting people who are already vulnerable due to illness. The scheme works as follows:
- Unexpected visit: Unknown individuals come to your home, introducing themselves as employees of the Social Insurance Agency.
- Accusation: They claim you have violated the treatment regime – for example, you were not at home during the designated time.
- Psychological pressure: The scammers intimidate you with possible consequences: stopping sick pay, large fines, and other problems.
- Offer of "help": The key point – the criminals offer to settle the problem unofficially, demanding payment in cash "here and now."
The Social Insurance Agency has officially stated that such actions are fraudulent. Real inspectors never demand money or fines on the spot. Any demand to pay something in cash during an inspection is a 100% sign of deception.
Real inspection vs. scam: how to tell an inspector apart
To avoid becoming a victim of scammers, it is important to know what the official control procedure looks like. The difference between a real inspector and a criminal is huge.
Signs of a real inspector:
- Show ID: An employee of Sociálna poisťovňa is obliged to show an employee ID card (preukaz zamestnanca Sociálnej poisťovne) with a photo and the signature of the branch manager.
- Asks for your ID: To confirm your identity, the inspector will ask to see your passport or ID card (občiansky preukaz).
- Informs about rights: They will explain your rights and obligations related to sick leave and payments.
- Draws up a report: If a violation is actually recorded, the inspector draws up an official report (záznam o kontrole). No cash payments are made on the spot.
Signs of a scammer:
- Lack of official ID or presentation of a questionable document.
- Aggressive behavior and psychological pressure.
- The main sign – demanding immediate payment of a fine in cash.
What happens if you actually violate the rules
Even if you have actually violated the treatment regime (for example, you were not found at home outside the permitted hours for leaving), the collection procedure is strictly official and never includes on-the-spot payment.
- Recording the violation: The inspector leaves a notice of the visit in your mailbox and records the fact of your absence.
- Request for explanation: You will be summoned to the branch of the Social Insurance Agency to provide an explanation for your absence.
- Case review: A special commission will review your arguments and evidence (e.g., a doctor's note if you had an appointment) and make a decision.
- Sanctions: If the violation is confirmed, you may be deprived of sick pay for a certain period (up to 30 days). In exceptional cases for serious or repeated violations, a fine may be imposed, but it is paid officially via bank transfer, not in cash to the inspector.
What to do if scammers come to you
If you suspect that fake controllers have visited you, the Social Insurance Agency and the police advise following a clear action plan:
- Do not let them into your home: You are not obliged to let people into your home if you are unsure of their identity.
- Do not give money: Under no circumstances should you hand over cash or bank details.
- Do not provide documents: Do not show your personal documents until you are sure of the visitors' official status.
- Call the police immediately: Report the attempted fraud by calling 158.
Be vigilant and warn your acquaintances, especially the elderly, who can easily become targets for criminals. Knowing your rights and official procedures is the best protection against such schemes.
