Consequences of Inclusion in the Personal Injury Fraud Register in Amsterdam

Inclusion in the personal injury fraud register has far-reaching consequences for residents of Amsterdam. Insurers in the region, such as those active at the Amsterdam District Court and the Legal Aid Office Amsterdam, immediately reject claims, terminate ongoing benefits, and refuse future policies. The registration typically lasts five years but may be extended in cases of repeated incidents, such as traffic accidents on the busy A10 Ring Road. Victims from Amsterdam-Zuid or the Jordaan not only lose financial compensation but also access to local healthcare schemes through the GGD Amsterdam. Criminal prosecution follows under the Economic Offences Act, with fines up to €90,000 or imprisonment, often in collaboration with the Amsterdam branch of the Fiscal Information and Investigation Service (FIOD). Employers in the city, including those in the port or working for the Municipality of Amsterdam, dismiss fraudulent employees immediately upon discovery. Objections to inclusion must be filed within four weeks with the Central Fraud and Error Register (CFEL), supported by evidence of innocence; the Legal Aid Office West in Amsterdam provides free initial assistance. A successful objection removes the entry, but the procedure is cumbersome and requires specialized legal representation from the city. Insurers share data with local authorities and the FIOD. While the register increases transparency in the Amsterdam insurance market, it conflicts with GDPR privacy regulations. Affected individuals report stigmatization in neighborhoods such as De Pijp, leading to mental health issues. Local experts advise filing honest reports in cases of injury from bicycle accidents or tram incidents to avoid risks.