Consequences of Inclusion in the Personal Injury Fraud Register in Utrecht

Inclusion in the personal injury fraud register has serious consequences for residents of Utrecht. Insurers in the Utrecht region, such as those active around the Utrecht railway tunnel or following accidents on the A12, may immediately reject claims, terminate ongoing benefits, and refuse future policies. The registration typically lasts five years but may be extended in cases of repeated offences within the city. Victims from Utrecht not only lose financial compensation but also access to local healthcare schemes through UMC Utrecht. Criminal prosecution is possible under the Economic Offences Act, with fines up to €90,000 or imprisonment, and cases are often handled by the District Court of Midden-Nederland in Utrecht. Termination of employment by employers in the region, such as the Municipality of Utrecht or local businesses, is a real risk if fraud is discovered in the workplace. To contest inclusion, an objection must be filed with the CFEL within four weeks, supported by evidence of innocence. Residents of Utrecht can seek assistance from legal service desks in the city, such as the Juridisch Loket Utrecht. A successful objection leads to removal from the register, but the procedure is complex and requires legal assistance from Utrecht-based law firms. Insurers also share information with external parties, such as the FIOD, which is active in the province of Utrecht. While the register promotes transparency, it raises privacy concerns under the GDPR, particularly in a compact city like Utrecht. Victims may experience stigmatisation in community centres or among neighbours, leading to psychological harm. Experts in Utrecht advise always providing honest information to avoid risks, such as those following typical local accidents on the canals or around the station.