CENSUS SCAM WARNING ISSUED
MESSAGE THAT FORM FILLED IN WRONGLY IS BOGUS
A SCAM warning has been issued after people received messages telling them they were going to be fined for filling in their Census forms incorrectly.
A number of people have reported receiving the text message on their phones this week and some contacted police when they became suspicious it was an attempt to con them.
They said the text told them they had made a mistake when they filled in their Census forms and were liable to a fine.
They were asked to review the information they had provided and to click on a link.
However, those who followed that link were directed to a bogus Census website which had been set up by the scammer.
A couple of pages in, recipients were asked for their bank account details so they could pay the fake fine.
Some of those who were taken in contacted police, who confirmed the text was a scam.
The force advised anyone who receives the text, or one like it, not to respond and said people would never be asked for their National Insurance number, passwords, bank account details and credit or debit card information.
It said people would only be contacted by the Census team if they have made an appointment with the national body’s contact centre or had made a query or complaint.
Sam Hancock, the force’s cyber protection officer, said: “We advise you do not respond to these text messages and be mindful these may also appear as emails.”
The force said in a statement: “Remember the golden rule – never click on links in unsolicited texts or emails.
“Suspicious texts should be forwarded to 7726 and suspicious emails forwarded to report@phishing.gov.uk.
“Please share to make others aware. Please warn others who may not see our social media and email warnings.”
A Census letter was sent to every household.
The results will help organisations, including local authorities and charities, to make planning and funding decisions for public services across the country.
Census day was March 21.