Census reminders ‘real and not scam’

PEOPLE receiving follow-up Census letters have been reassured they are routine and not scams.

Social media has been awash with complaints from families worried they might be liable for £1,000 fines even though they have completed the Census.

A deluge of scams has made people wary of anything they receive unexpectedly in the post, on their phones and in their inboxes.

Dozens of people posting on the Crime Watch North Wales forum on Facebook described their concern after receiving a letter from the Office of National Statistics.

It contains a number to call for further information.

“Don’t phone that number it could be a scam contact your council to find out if they have received your form,” said one Facebook user.

Another said: “Don’t blame you worrying, so many scams about, they jump in the bandwagon for every freaking move we make!”

Other people have received doorstep callers reminding them to complete their forms - even though they have.

“I have had 2 letters and 2 people knocking the door. Sent off weeks ago. Don’t think they have scanned them in or they’re still sat in a post bag,” was one comment.

“I sent mine by post had a letter to say not completed. But I know I’ve done it, so tough,” was another.

The ONS said the letters were genuine and in many cases had probably crossed in the post with paper submissions.

It is thought the Easter holiday, and the sheer volume of post, may have held up Census returns.

The ONS said nine out of 10 households across England and Wales have now responded to the March 21 survey, which has been held every 10 years (except wartime) since 1801.

The government body said it “won’t rest” until every household has responded.

“In some instances it can take our systems time to catch up,” said a spokesperson. “Anyone who has already completed, should tell a field officer who visits and ignore a reminder letter.”