Boom of Fake Surety Bonds: How IVASS Checks Protect Businesses and Citizens from Scams

In-Depth Look at IVASS Checks for Surety Bonds and Insurance Policies

Le verifiche effettuate tramite IVASS (Istituto per la Vigilanza sulle Assicurazioni) sono uno strumento essenziale per accertare la validità e l’autenticità di una fideiussione o di una polizza assicurativa.
Checks carried out through IVASS (Institute for the Supervision of Insurance) are an essential tool for ascertaining the validity and authenticity of a surety bond or an insurance policy.
Today more than ever, this control is indispensable, especially in the context of financial guarantees for public and private tenders, where the increase in fraud is also linked to the enormous flow of funds from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).
Negli ultimi mesi IVASS , Banca d’Italia e ANAC hanno pubblicato indicazioni operative aggiornate al 18 luglio 2025, che permettono di distinguere con certezza una garanzia vera da una polizza falsa.
Vediamo insieme come eseguire tutte le verifiche, passo dopo passo.In recent months, IVASS , Banca d’Italia , and ANAC have published operational guidelines, updated to July 18, 2025, that allow for a clear distinction between a genuine guarantee and a fake policy. Let’s see how to perform all the checks, step by step.https://www.ivass.it/https://www.ivass.it/https://www.bancaditalia.it/https://www.bancaditalia.it/https://www.anticorruzione.it/https://www.anticorruzione.it/_blank_blanknoreferrer noopenernoreferrer noopener_blank_blanknoreferrer noopenernoreferrer noopener_blank_blanknoreferrer noopenernoreferrer noopener1. Verifica della Legittimazione dell’Impresa Emittente1. Verification of the Issuing Company’s LegitimacyIl primo passo è accertare che l’impresa che ha emesso la polizza sia effettivamente autorizzata ad operare nel ramo cauzioni (ramo 15), previsto dall’articolo 2 del decreto legislativo 209/2005, cioè il Codice delle Assicurazioni Private.
Solo le compagnie abilitate possono rilasciare fideiussioni valide.
Un documento emesso da una società non autorizzata, anche se formalmente corretto, è nullo e inefficace.The first step is to ascertain that the company which issued the policy is actually authorized to operate in the suretyship branch (branch 15), as provided by Article 2 of Legislative Decree 209/2005, the Private Insurance Code.
Only authorized companies can issue valid surety bonds. A document issued by an unauthorized company, even if formally correct, is null and void.
Come verificare un’impresa italianaHow to verify an Italian companyAccedi al sito ufficiale dell’IVASS, sezione “Garanzie Finanziarie per le PA”.
Access the official IVASS website, section “Financial Guarantees for Public Administrations (PA)”.https://www.ivass.it/normativa/nazionale/convenzioni-nazionali/documenti/doc-congiunti/Comunicazione_su_garanzie_finanziarie_18.07.2025.pdfhttps://www.ivass.it/normativa/nazionale/convenzioni-nazionali/documenti/doc-congiunti/Comunicazione_su_garanzie_finanziarie_18.07.2025.pdf_blank_blanknoreferrer noopenernoreferrer noopenerScarica l’elenco delle imprese italiane abilitate al ramo cauzioni, disponibile in formato CSV:
Scarica elenco imprese italiane autorizzate – IVASS
Download the list of Italian companies authorized for the suretyship branch, available in CSV format:
Download list of authorized Italian companies – IVASS
https://infostat-ivass.bancaditalia.it/RIGAInquiry-public/getAreaDownloadExport.do?referenceDate=product=VFLUSSO_VIG_RAMO15language=ITexportType=CSVusername=OBLIXANONYMOUSisCompressed=Shttps://infostat-ivass.bancaditalia.it/RIGAInquiry-public/getAreaDownloadExport.do?referenceDate=product=VFLUSSO_VIG_RAMO15language=ITexportType=CSVusername=OBLIXANONYMOUSisCompressed=S_blank_blanknoreferrer noopenernoreferrer noopenerCerca la denominazione della compagnia che ha emesso la polizza.Search for the name of the company that issued the policy.Controlla che siano indicate le modalità di verifica telematica (sito web, PEC o piattaforma online) conformi Check that the methods for telematic verification (website, PEC, or online platform) are indicated, in compliancehttps://www.codiceappalti.it/DLGS_36_2023/Articolo_106__Garanzie_per_la_partecipazione_alla_procedura_/12725https://www.codiceappalti.it/DLGS_36_2023/Articolo_106__Garanzie_per_la_partecipazione_alla_procedura_/12725_blank_blanknoreferrer noopenernoreferrer noopenerall’articolo 106, comma 3, del with Article 106, paragraph 3, of theCodice dei Contratti Pubblici – D.Lgs.Public Contracts Code – Legislative Decree 36/2023.36/202336/2023..Se la compagnia non è presente nell’elenco, consulta l’elenco delle imprese non autorizzate o non abilitate, pubblicato nella sezione “Per i consumatori” del sito IVASS.If the company is not in the list, consult the list of unauthorized or non-habilitated companies, published in the “For Consumers” section of the IVASS site.https://www.ivass.it/garanzie-finanziarie/index.htmlhttps://www.ivass.it/garanzie-finanziarie/index.html_blank_blanknoreferrer noopenernoreferrer noopenerAccettare una polizza proveniente da tali soggetti può comportare sanzioni, esclusioni da gara e rischi penali.Accepting a policy from such entities may lead to penalties, exclusion from tenders, and criminal risks.Come verificare un’impresa esteraHow to verify a foreign companyPer le imprese con sede in un altro Paese dell’Unione Europea o dello Spazio Economico Europeo (SEE), la verifica segue un percorso analogo:For companies based in another European Union or European Economic Area (EEA) country, the verification follows a similar process:Accedi alla stessa sezione “Garanzie Finanziarie per le PA” sul sito IVASS.Access the same section “Financial Guarantees for Public Administrations (PA)” on the IVASS site.Scarica l’elenco aggiornato delle imprese estere abilitate al ramo cauzioni:
Scarica elenco imprese estere autorizzate – IVASS
Download the updated list of foreign companies authorized for the suretyship branch:
Download list of authorized foreign companies – IVASS https://infostat-ivass.bancaditalia.it/RIGAInquiry-public/getAreaDownloadExport.do?referenceDate=product=VFLUSSO_EST_RAMO15language=ITexportType=CSVusername=OBLIXANONYMOUSisCompressed=Shttps://infostat-ivass.bancaditalia.it/RIGAInquiry-public/getAreaDownloadExport.do?referenceDate=product=VFLUSSO_EST_RAMO15language=ITexportType=CSVusername=OBLIXANONYMOUSisCompressed=S_blank_blanknoreferrer noopenernoreferrer noopenerControlla se la compagnia è autorizzata ad operare in Italia tramite passaporto europeo nel Registro RIGA.Check if the company is authorized to operate in Italy via the European passport in the RIGA Register.Verifica ulteriori dettagli sul Registro Europeo delle Imprese di Assicurazione dell’EIOPA:
Registro EIOPA – Insurance Undertakings
Verify further details on the EIOPA European Register of Insurance Undertakings:
EIOPA Register – Insurance Undertakings
https://register.eiopa.europa.eu/registers/register-of-insurance-undertakingshttps://register.eiopa.europa.eu/registers/register-of-insurance-undertakings_blank_blanknoreferrer noopenernoreferrer noopenerSe non trovi la compagnia o hai dubbi sulla sua abilitazione, invia una richiesta di verifica all’indirizzo PEC ufficiale ivass@pec.ivass.it.f you cannot find the company or have doubts about its authorization, send a verification request to the official PEC address ivass@pec.ivass.it.Ricorda che le Società di Mutuo Soccorso non sono vigilate da IVASS e non possono emettere fideiussioni o garanzie finanziarie.Remember that Mutual Aid Societies are not supervised by IVASS and cannot issue surety bonds or financial guarantees.2. Verifica dell’Intermediario Distributore2. Verification of the Distributing IntermediarySe la polizza è stata proposta da un broker, agente o intermediario, è necessario verificare la loro iscrizione al Registro Unico degli Intermediari (RUI).
Questo passaggio è fondamentale perché un intermediario non iscritto non può legalmente distribuire prodotti assicurativi.If the policy was proposed by a broker, agent, or intermediary, it is necessary to verify their registration in the Single Register of Intermediaries (RUI). This step is fundamental because an unregistered intermediary cannot legally distribute insurance products.Accedi al portale pubblico del RUI: Registro RUI – IVASS
Access the public portal of the RUI: RUI Register – IVASShttps://ruipubblico.ivass.it/rui-pubblica/ng/#/homehttps://ruipubblico.ivass.it/rui-pubblica/ng/#/home_blank_blanknoreferrer noopenernoreferrer noopenerInserisci il nome o il codice identificativo dell’intermediario.Enter the name or identification code of the intermediary.Verifica che sia attivo, autorizzato e che non siano presenti annotazioni di sospensione o revoca.Verify that they are active, authorized, and that there are no suspension or revocation annotations.Controlla che sia abilitato a operare per la compagnia emittente.Check that they are authorized to operate for the issuing company.https://www.ivass.it/consumatori/siti-imprese-intermediari/index.htmlhttps://www.ivass.it/consumatori/siti-imprese-intermediari/index.html_blank_blanknoreferrer noopenernoreferrer noopenerSe l’intermediario non risulta iscritto o autorizzato, la polizza deve essere considerata illegale e non valida.If the intermediary is not registered or authorized, the policy must be considered illegal and invalid.3. Verifica dell’Autenticità della Polizza3. Verification of the Policy’s AuthenticityUna volta accertata la legittimità della compagnia e dell’intermediario, occorre controllare che la polizza sia autentica.
Le verifiche devono essere effettuate solo attraverso i canali telematici ufficiali dichiarati all’IVASS.Once the legitimacy of the company and the intermediary has been established, you must check that the policy is authentic.
Verifications must be performed only through the official telematic channels declared to IVASS.Le principali modalità sono:The main methods are:
Verifica tramite sito web ufficiale: molte compagnie consentono di inserire il numero della polizza e controllarne in tempo reale la validità.Verification via official website: Many companies allow you to enter the policy number and check its validity in real-time.Richiesta di conferma via PEC: invia una domanda di verifica all’indirizzo PEC indicato negli elenchi IVASS. La risposta deve arrivare entro 5 giorni lavorativi.Confirmation request via PEC: Send a verification query to the PEC address indicated in the IVASS lists. The response must arrive within 5 working days.Piattaforma digitale: alcune compagnie adottano sistemi basati su blockchain o registri distribuiti per garantire tracciabilità e autenticità.Digital platform: Some companies adopt systems based on blockchain or distributed ledgers to ensure traceability and authenticity.Confronta sempre i dati riportati sulla polizza con quelli ufficiali:Always compare the data reported on the policy with the official details:
denominazione e logo della compagniaCompany name and logocodice IVASS e ramo autorizzatoIVASS code and authorized branchimporto garantitoGuaranteed amountdurata, firma, QR Code o codice identificativoDuration, signature, QR Code, or identification codeSe emergono discrepanze o elementi non verificabili, la polizza non deve essere accettata.
Consulta sempre la sezione “Avvisi di contraffazione” del sito IVASS per verificare la presenza di eventuali segnalazioni ufficiali.If discrepancies or unverifiable elements emerge, the policy must not be accepted. Always consult the “Counterfeit Warnings” section of the IVASS website to check for any official reports.https://www.ivass.it/consumatori/proteggi/ELENCO_AVVISI_CASI_DI_CONTRAFFAZIONE.pdfhttps://www.ivass.it/consumatori/proteggi/ELENCO_AVVISI_CASI_DI_CONTRAFFAZIONE.pdf_blank_blanknoreferrer noopenernoreferrer noopenerConsigli Pratici per Evitare le FrodiPractical Advice to Avoid FraudEffettua sempre i controlli partendo da fonti ufficiali: IVASS, Banca d’Italia, EIOPA.Always perform checks starting from official sources: IVASS, Banca d’Italia, EIOPA.Non usare recapiti o link trovati su documenti sospetti.Do not use contact details or links found on suspicious documents.Diffida di offerte troppo economiche o di chi promette rilascio immediato senza istruttoria.Be wary of offers that are too cheap or promises of immediate issuance without due diligence.In caso di dubbi, contatta IVASS al numero verde 800-486661 o via PEC ivass@pec.ivass.it.In case of doubt, contact IVASS at the toll-free number 800-486661 or via PEC ivass@pec.ivass.it._blank_blanknoreferrer noopenernoreferrer noopenerSegnala tempestivamente qualsiasi sospetto: la collaborazione dei cittadini aiuta a prevenire truffe e falsificazioni.Report any suspicion promptly: the collaboration of citizens helps prevent scams and falsifications.https://www.ivass.it/consumatori/proteggi/ELENCO_AVVISI_CASI_DI_CONTRAFFAZIONE.pdfhttps://www.ivass.it/consumatori/proteggi/ELENCO_AVVISI_CASI_DI_CONTRAFFAZIONE.pdfConseguenze di una Polizza FalsaConsequences of a Fake PolicyPresentare una fideiussione contraffatta comporta gravi conseguenze:Presenting a counterfeit surety bond entails serious consequences:
esclusione automatica da gare pubbliche,Automatic exclusion from public tenders,perdita della cauzione provvisoria,Loss of the provisional guarantee (cauzione provvisoria),segnalazioni penali per truffa o falso,Criminal reports for fraud or forgery,danni economici e reputazionali difficili da recuperare.Economic and reputational damage that is difficult to recover.Le Pubbliche Amministrazioni, in particolare per i progetti PNRR, sono obbligate a verificare la validità della garanzia prima dell’accettazione, come stabilito dalla normativa vigente.Public Administrations, particularly for PNRR projects, are obligated to verify the validity of the guarantee before acceptance, as established by current regulations.Fidati Solo della TrasparenzaTrust Only in TransparencyLe verifiche IVASS non sono un passaggio burocratico, ma una tutela concreta per aziende, professionisti e cittadini.
Controllare una polizza prima di presentarla significa difendersi da frodi, perdite economiche e problemi legali.IVASS checks are not a bureaucratic step, but a concrete protection for businesses, professionals, and citizens. Checking a policy before presenting it means defending against fraud, economic losses, and legal problems.Verifica, chiedi, confronta e non accettare mai scorciatoie.
Solo così puoi essere certo che la tua garanzia sia valida, riconosciuta e sicura.Verify, ask, compare, and never accept shortcuts. Only then can you be certain that your guarantee is valid, recognized, and secure.Per assistenza o verifica documentale, su ItaliaFideiussioni.it trovi supporto e consulenza dedicata: verifichiamo insieme la tua polizza, in modo semplice e trasparente.For assistance or documentary verification, at ItaliaFideiussioni.it you will find dedicated support and consultation: we will verify your policy together, simply and transparently.Domande frequenti sulla nullità della clausola “a prima richiesta”Customer satisfaction is our greatest guarantee. See what they say!

In recent months, IVASS , Banca d’Italia , and ANAC have published operational guidelines, updated to July 18, 2025, that allow for a clear distinction between a genuine guarantee and a fake policy. Let’s see how to perform all the checks, step by step.

Aggiornamento: scopri il nuovo caso Asito Kapital, una delle truffe più recenti nel settore delle polizze fideiussorie

1. Verification of the Issuing Company’s Legitimacy

The first step is to ascertain that the company which issued the policy is actually authorized to operate in the suretyship branch (branch 15), as provided by Article 2 of Legislative Decree 209/2005, the Private Insurance Code.
Only authorized companies can issue valid surety bonds. A document issued by an unauthorized company, even if formally correct, is null and void.

How to verify an Italian company

1. Access the official IVASS website, section “Financial Guarantees for Public Administrations (PA)”.
2. Download the list of Italian companies authorized for the suretyship branch, available in CSV format:
   Download list of authorized Italian companies – IVASS
   
3. Search for the name of the company that issued the policy.
   
4. Check that the methods for telematic verification (website, PEC, or online platform) are indicated, in compliance with Article 106, paragraph 3, of the Public Contracts Code – Legislative Decree 36/2023. 36/2023.
   

If the company is not in the list, consult the list of unauthorized or non-habilitated companies, published in the “For Consumers” section of the IVASS site.

Accepting a policy from such entities may lead to penalties, exclusion from tenders, and criminal risks.

How to verify a foreign company

For companies based in another European Union or European Economic Area (EEA) country, the verification follows a similar process:

1. Access the same section “Financial Guarantees for Public Administrations (PA)” on the IVASS site.
   
2. Download the updated list of foreign companies authorized for the suretyship branch:
   Download list of authorized foreign companies – IVASS
3. Check if the company is authorized to operate in Italy via the European passport in the RIGA Register.
   
4. Verify further details on the EIOPA European Register of Insurance Undertakings:
   EIOPA Register – Insurance Undertakings
   
5. f you cannot find the company or have doubts about its authorization, send a verification request to the official PEC address ivass@pec.ivass.it.
   

Remember that Mutual Aid Societies are not supervised by IVASS and cannot issue surety bonds or financial guarantees.

2. Verification of the Distributing Intermediary

If the policy was proposed by a broker, agent, or intermediary, it is necessary to verify their registration in the Single Register of Intermediaries (RUI). This step is fundamental because an unregistered intermediary cannot legally distribute insurance products.

1. Access the public portal of the RUI: RUI Register – IVASS
2. Enter the name or identification code of the intermediary.
   
3. Verify that they are active, authorized, and that there are no suspension or revocation annotations.
   
4. Check that they are authorized to operate for the issuing company.
   

If the intermediary is not registered or authorized, the policy must be considered illegal and invalid.

3. Verification of the Policy’s Authenticity

Once the legitimacy of the company and the intermediary has been established, you must check that the policy is authentic.
Verifications must be performed only through the official telematic channels declared to IVASS.

The main methods are:

• Verification via official website: Many companies allow you to enter the policy number and check its validity in real-time.
  
• Confirmation request via PEC: Send a verification query to the PEC address indicated in the IVASS lists. The response must arrive within 5 working days.
  
• Digital platform: Some companies adopt systems based on blockchain or distributed ledgers to ensure traceability and authenticity.
  

Always compare the data reported on the policy with the official details:

• Company name and logo
  
• IVASS code and authorized branch
  
• Guaranteed amount
  
• Duration, signature, QR Code, or identification code
  

If discrepancies or unverifiable elements emerge, the policy must not be accepted. Always consult the “Counterfeit Warnings” section of the IVASS website to check for any official reports.

Practical Advice to Avoid Fraud

• Always perform checks starting from official sources: IVASS, Banca d’Italia, EIOPA.
  
• Do not use contact details or links found on suspicious documents.
  
• Be wary of offers that are too cheap or promises of immediate issuance without due diligence.
  
• In case of doubt, contact IVASS at the toll-free number 800-486661 or via PEC ivass@pec.ivass.it.
  
• Report any suspicion promptly: the collaboration of citizens helps prevent scams and falsifications.

Consequences of a Fake Policy

Presenting a counterfeit surety bond entails serious consequences:

• Automatic exclusion from public tenders,
  
• Loss of the provisional guarantee (cauzione provvisoria),
  
• Criminal reports for fraud or forgery,
  
• Economic and reputational damage that is difficult to recover.
  

Public Administrations, particularly for PNRR projects, are obligated to verify the validity of the guarantee before acceptance, as established by current regulations.

Trust Only in Transparency

IVASS checks are not a bureaucratic step, but a concrete protection for businesses, professionals, and citizens. Checking a policy before presenting it means defending against fraud, economic losses, and legal problems.

Verify, ask, compare, and never accept shortcuts. Only then can you be certain that your guarantee is valid, recognized, and secure.

For assistance or documentary verification, at ItaliaFideiussioni.it you will find dedicated support and consultation: we will verify your policy together, simply and transparently.

Customer satisfaction is our greatest guarantee. See what they say!