Be wary of Census scams

The warnings come after Leicestershire County Council Trading Standards received a complaint from a resident who had been targeted.

The public are now being reminded that they should never disclose credit card or bank details to somebody posing as a Census collector or, indeed, any cold caller.

Trading standards officers are also reiterating awareness that many bogus callers use doorstep tactics as a deterrent whilst an accomplice gains access to a property via another route.

From 6 April, a small number of householders may be visited by Census collectors, but that will be because they are yet to submit their forms. Formal ID will be presented to residents.

The Census does not ask any questions about personal finance and people should report anyone claiming to be from the Census team who requests bank account or credit / debit card details, as these are not required.

Cllr Paul Bettison, chairman of Local Government Regulation, said: "Fraudsters are known to take advantage of any situation. If they can make money from it, then they will give it a go.

"Anyone visiting a household for official business should be able to provide photographic identification and unless that it the case, nobody should allow anyone access to their property.

"If a resident thinks that they may have fallen victim to this or any other doorstep crime, they should contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506, the police, the Census helpline (0300 0201 101), or Crimestoppers (0800 555 111) immediately."