Schengen clarification needed urgently

[Traveler1996]

I began traveling in Europe and visiting friends in mid-September. Prior to leaving the US I contacted my travel agent regarding visa requirements for the countries I was going to be in and she informed me at that time that I didn't need a visa for any of them as long as I didn't stay in any one country for more than 90 days. I doubled up on what she told me, called and received the same answer from the embassy's of the nations I was planning to visit. As such, I've been traveling without giving it a second thought.

Just under 3 months ago an old Polish friend of mine invited me to stay with her in Warsaw. I've been here since and would like to stay longer.

My concern is that I spoke with an American friend here this evening who informed me that my travel agent and information we collected was incorrect regarding the visa rules. His interpretation is that I can't stay within the combined European Schengen State for more than 90 days without a visa. I'm not sure who's correct right now. If he's correct, I'm well over my legal stay in Europe and that has me deeply concerned and is a problem I need to rectify immediately.

Can someone please clarify and provide guidance as to what I can and should do at this time.

[MadeinIndia]

As far as I understand, you cannot stay more than 90 days in Schengen area, irrespective of the number of countries you visit. It does not mean you can stay for 90 days in Netherlands, 90 days in France, 90 days in Germany etc.

The best thing to do is approach an attorney or the authorities and tell them about your mistake and I think there are some fines you have to pay. Do that and follow the procedure if you ever want to go back to Europe.