– We learned about this incident from a resident of Legnica, who claims that the woman showed some kind of document, allegedly confirming that she was a ZUS employee, and tried to check his sick leave, suggesting that our client was fraudulently claiming sickness benefits – says Iwona Kowalska, ZUS regional press spokesperson in Lower Silesia. – We have very serious grounds to suspect that this woman may be acting to the detriment of the people she visits.
The concerned client visited his local ZUS office and informed the employees about the incident.
– We warn our clients, often sick and elderly people, against allowing people claiming to be employees of the Institution into their homes – says Iwona Kowalska. – I would like to explain that ZUS usually contacts its clients in writing, by post, or by telephone.
A visit by an employee of the Social Insurance Institution to a client's home is possible only in strictly defined cases: when a ZUS employee checks whether sick leave is being used properly, or when they come to inspect a contribution payer if the company's registered office is at the same address as the place of residence.
A sick-leave inspection takes place without prior notice, but inspectors checking a company always arrange a visit with its owner sufficiently in advance.
Therefore, if we are not on sick leave and do not run a business, we should not let anyone claiming to be a ZUS employee into our home.
A ZUS employee who comes to conduct an inspection always has an ID card, which they are required to show for inspection. An employee of the Institution never collects any fees or requests documents such as a pensioner or disability pensioner ID card or a decision granting a benefit.
– I appeal for great caution and remind you not to share information about the benefits you receive from ZUS with strangers. You must also not show documents such as a pensioner or disability pensioner ID card or a decision granting a benefit, as the information in these documents could be used for dishonest purposes – appeals Iwona Kowalska.
If anyone has doubts about the credibility of people presenting themselves as ZUS employees, they can contact the ZUS Telephone Customer Service Centre (at 22 560 16 00) or the police.