The ONS (Office for National Statistics) is a UK government entity that is responsible for carrying out the census in the UK.
About UK Census scam texts, emails and phone calls
Scams about a country’s census are usually designed to trick a recipient into thinking there is something wrong with their census information. Such scams usually urge the recipient to resolve the incorrect information or face punitive action such as fines or even arrest.
For text and email scams, these scams typically provide a link for the recipient to click on to re-enter their information or possibly pay a fine. However these links will lead to spoof phishing websites that steal any information entered into them. Scam emails can also urge recipients to open attachments that can install malware.
All of the below examples threaten a fine unless the recipient clicks a link to correct missing or incorrect information.
Census: We still haven’t received your form for the Census 2021. You could be fined £1000 if not completed. Complete this here:
CENSUS: There is missing information from your Census application. Update your application please visit LINK REMOVED to avoid £1000 fine.
CENSUS: There is missing/invalid information associated with your Census account. To avoid a £200 fine, retake the survey here: LINK REMOVED
All these examples will lead to a spoof phishing website that steals data entered into it and sends it to cyber crooks.
Report a UK Census phone, text and email scam.
How to report an UK Census scam text?
All UK Census scams can be reported to the UK Census hotline on 0800 141 2021 (0800 169 2021 in Wales)
How to report a UK Census scam email?
All UK Census scams can be reported to the UK Census hotline on 0800 141 2021 (0800 169 2021 in Wales)
How to report a UK Census scam phone call?
All UK Census scams can be reported to the UK Census hotline on 0800 141 2021 (0800 169 2021 in Wales)
If you're in the UK, you can ALSO report scams...
- Scam emails can be forwarded to The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) at report@phishing.gov.uk
- Scam texts can be forwarded to your phone carrier on 7726
- All types of cybercrime and fraud can be reported to the police via ActionFraud by calling 0300 123 2040 (or 101 in Scotland) or by using ActionFraud's online reporting tool here.
If you're in the USA, you can ALSO report scams...
- Scam texts can be forwarded to your phone carrier on 7726
- All types of cybercrime and fraud can be reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by using their complaint assistant here or by calling 1-877-382-4357 (9am-8pm ET)
From a different country? Click here.
You can also forward SMS or email scams to us at scam@thatsfake.com
Avoiding UK Census phone, text and email scams
The Office for National Statistics have reassured people against these scams, including the following information –
- You will never be issued with a fine through text message, phone call or email
- You won’t be asked to provide personal information by a text or email
- While field officers may knock at your door to “provide encouragement” to complete your census application, they won’t demand payment, ask for personal or financial information or need to come inside your house.
You will never be asked to open email attachments or provide payment details from an unexpected email or text message. Reminders to complete the census will be sent through the post, and further reminder letters will outline what could happen if you do not complete the census.
As such, if you receive any unexpected phone call, text or email scam threatening you with a fine or asking you to click a link, open an attachment or provide payment details, these should be ignored.