People across Scotland have been warned about being targeted by scammers as the 2022 Census gets underway this week.
Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national consumer advice service consumeradvice.scot, has stated that it is crucial that Scots are aware of the warning signs of fraudsters attempting to gain access to their personal and financial information.
According to the charity, scammers may get in touch under the guise of an official Census worker and ask for money for a fine or fee, or for personal financial information like a national insurance number, bank details or debit or credit card details.
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Advice Direct Scotland said that Scotland’s Census will never ask for money or this type of personal financial information, and people who believe they are being targeted by a scam should report it.
The charity also said people should only provide personal information in the formal online Scotland’s Census questionnaire, and explained that this will only be sent as a paper copy if the person specifically requests it.
It added that Scotland’s Census field team will only visit someone at home after March 20 if they have not completed their questionnaire, of if they have been selected for the Census Coverage Survey.
Spokesperson for Advice Direct Scotland Colin Mathieson said: “The official Census of everyone in Scotland starts this week and our tips highlight some of the ways scammers may attempt to gather personal and financial information.
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“One of the most important things to remember is that Scotland’s Census will not ask for money or personal financial information like a person’s bank details.
“If you suspect you have been approached by a scammer claiming to be from Scotland’s Census, you can report this directly to National Records of Scotland or to us at www.scamwatch.scot and our advisers will be able to assist you.”
Advice Direct Scotland have compiled a list of answers to some of the most important questions about Census scams.
What could a Census scam look like?
A scammer may request payment of money for a fine or fee, or personal financial information, such as your national insurance number, bank details, or debit and credit card details.
Scotland’s Census will never ask for money or personal financial information - if you receive a request for these, you can be sure it is a scam.
How do you know if communication claiming to be from Scotland’s Census is real?
You will been contacted by letter to ask you to complete the Census and tell you what you need to do. After that, you will only be phoned, emailed, or sent a text by Scotland’s Census if you have asked them to, or if you have requested something from them.
Will Scotland’s Census visit me at home?
You may be visited by one of the Scotland’s Census field team, but only after March 20, 2022, if you have not completed your Census questionnaire or if you have been selected for the Census Coverage Survey. Scotland’s Census will never cold call you over the phone for any reason.
Will Scotland’s Census gather any personal information?
Although the Census does collect some personal information, remember you should only provide this information in your Census questionnaire, either online or on paper. You will only be sent a paper questionnaire if you have asked for one.
