Scotland's Census 2022 launched yesterday and provides Scots with a once in a decade chance to take part in the count.
The census is the official count of every person in the country, collecting information about where you stay and the people who stay there.
The form also helps to plan vital public services and inform investments across the country.
The official Census Day is March 20 but households can complete their return now with more than 2.5 million Scots set to receive a letter on how to participate.
Unfortunately, this has given fraudsters an opportunity to pose new threats with Census based scams likely.
Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national consumer advice service consumeradvice.scot, urged people to be aware of the signs of potential fraudsters attempting to gather personal or financial information.
Here are some tips on how to spot a scam and what to do next..
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 and of this 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?
In order to complete Scotland's Census, you will soon be contract by letter.
The letter will provide you with instructions on what to do next .
After that, you will only be contacted by Scotland's Census by phone, email or text if you have asked they do do so or have requested something from them.
In short, you will not be called, text or emailed and asked about information without expecting contact from Scotland's Census.
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.
How to report a suspected Census scam
If you suspect you have been approached by a scammer claiming to be from Scotland’s Census you should report it.
There are a number of ways that you can report the suspected scam.
You can report to dataprotection@nrscotland.gov.uk or Advice Direct Scotland at www.consumeradvice.scot.
If you have made a payment, or provided any personal financial information, you should contact your bank or building society.
If you feel threatened or intimidated by someone calling at your property, you can contact Police Scotland on '999' in an emergency, or on '101' (non-emergency number).
Scottish citizens can also report suspected scams and suspicious activity at www.scamwatch.scot.
Colin Mathieson, spokesperson for Advice Direct Scotland, 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.
“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.”
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