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
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
- Access the official IVASS website, section “Financial Guarantees for Public Administrations (PA)”.
- Download the list of Italian companies authorized for the suretyship branch, available in CSV format:
Download list of authorized Italian companies – IVASS
- Search for the name of the company that issued the policy.
- 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:
- Access the same section “Financial Guarantees for Public Administrations (PA)” on the IVASS site.
- Download the updated list of foreign companies authorized for the suretyship branch:
Download list of authorized foreign companies – IVASS - Check if the company is authorized to operate in Italy via the European passport in the RIGA Register.
- Verify further details on the EIOPA European Register of Insurance Undertakings:
EIOPA Register – Insurance Undertakings
- 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.
- Access the public portal of the RUI: RUI Register – IVASS
- Enter the name or identification code of the intermediary.
- Verify that they are active, authorized, and that there are no suspension or revocation annotations.
- Check that they are authorized to operate for the issuing company.
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:
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Verification via official website: Many companies allow you to enter the policy number and check its validity in real-time.
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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.
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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.
