Warning over fraudsters sending messages about census

A warning has been issued about a new fraud scheme where criminals are posing as people behind this year’s census.

It involves a message being sent via text message or email saying: “There is invalid information on your census account. To avoid a fine you are required to review your answers.”

A link is then included for people to click through.

A Neighbourhood Watch alert has been issued for the scheme operating in South Lincolnshire.

Alan Osborne (Safer Together, Coordinator, Boston and South Holland): said: “This is yet another example of one of the numerous scams circulating by phone, email and text message.

“Please remember government agencies will not contact you with this type of warning neither will your bank.

“Never disclose personal information or give out bank details if you receive this type of message.

“If in doubt always check with your bank or the firm the message claims to have come from.

If you suspect a message to be a scam call Citizens Advice on 0808 2505050, report it to Action Fraud online at https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or call 0300 123 2040 pass on your knowledge to friends, neighbours or relatives.

If you know the scam has come from abroad, report it to econsumer.gov.

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