New Delhi/Bengaluru: As India gears up for the 2026-27 population census, authorities have issued a public warning over a growing network of fraudsters posing as census officials to cheat unsuspecting citizens.
With enumeration activities underway, cases of fake visits and misleading messages circulating on social media have raised serious concerns.
According to officials, scammers are visiting homes claiming to be census enumerators and attempting to extract sensitive personal and financial information. In several instances, fraudsters have also been sharing fake links and messages online, urging people to submit details under the pretext of "self-enumeration."
Authorities have clarified that genuine census officials will never ask for bank-related details such as account numbers, debit or credit card information, UPI credentials, or One-Time Passwords (OTP). Any such request should be treated as suspicious and reported immediately.
Similarly, officials stressed that Aadhaar or PAN card copies are not required during the census process. Fraudsters may try to collect these documents, but legitimate enumerators do not demand identity proofs in this manner. Citizens have been advised to avoid sharing copies of personal documents with unknown individuals.
Another key warning is that no fees or donations are collected for census activities. Any demand for money in the name of census work is a clear indication of fraud. Authorities also reiterated that enumerators do not require passwords, OTPs, or digital approvals of any kind.
In addition, people have been cautioned against allowing unknown individuals inside their homes. "Census officials do not need to enter your house unnecessarily. Interactions are limited and follow a structured questionnaire," officials said.
Cyber fraud risks have also been highlighted. Scammers may send SMS links or ask citizens to log in to fake websites such as "censusburea(.)com" to steal data. Users are advised not to click on unknown links or download apps suggested by unverified sources.
The government has introduced a self-enumeration facility this year, allowing citizens to submit details online before an official visit. The process can be completed through the official portal of Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, available in multiple languages.
Officials said the first phase of the census will run from April 1 to September 30, during which enumerators will collect information through a set questionnaire.
Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and verify the identity of officials to avoid falling prey to scams.