Census 2027 Fraud Alert: How to Protect your Identity

India’s 16th population census, which is the world’s very first fully digital population census, is currently underway. While the first phase involving houselisting is done, the second phase of population enumeration wherein every citizen’s social, demographic and economic data will be collected began in February this year.

Unfortunately, during these few months, it has been observed that fraudsters are using the 2027 census as a medium to deceive innocents. They have been impersonating government enumerators, stealing citizens’ personal information. It is thus crucial to understand how to identify such fraudulent census officials in order to safeguard personal information and hard-earned money. 

How do Census Scamsters Operate?

Census scamsters use the census exercise as a medium for financial theft and identity fraud. Here are a few tactics that they leverage:

• Impersonation: Fraudsters pose as government enumerators via door-to-door visits, WhatsApp, or phone calls. They use the census as a pretext to collect high-value information like Aadhaar, PAN, and banking credentials. Once they have information, they misuse your identity in criminal activities, leading to potential legal complications. They may also use the personal data to build “synthetic identities” for fraudulent loans or credit cards.
• Phishing Links: Fraudsters send SMSs with fake links to supposedly update census data, when the intention is to actually steal personal data. They may also use OTP or QR code scams to drain bank accounts and UPI wallets.
• Malicious Apps: Scamsters pressurize citizens to download fake Census Apps (APKs) that are built to steal information on your phone or provide remote access to your device to track keystrokes and private messages.

How to Identify Fraudsters Impersonating as Census Officials

1. Genuine officials will never ask for OTPs, CVV, PINs, or Bank Account numbers.
2. Be wary if they insist on taking photos of your Aadhaar or PAN card, they can be misused. 
3. Scammers use Gmail or Yahoo emails and non-government websites. Official government communications only use .gov.in domains.
4. Real enumerators carry a government-issued ID card, a certificate of authorization, and use specific government-provided mobile devices.
5. The census is free, any demand for “registration fees” or “convenience charges” is a 100% red flag.

What to do in case you are scammed?

• Immediately freeze your bank accounts, credit cards, and UPI access through your bank’s official app or branch.
• If you downloaded a suspicious app, perform a factory reset to remove spyware/malware.
• Inform your local police station if a fake official visited your home in person to prevent them from targeting neighbours.

How to Report 

If you suspect you have been targeted by a scam, report it immediately:

Reporting on PhonePe:

• PhonePe Group Chat: If you suspect the group to be fraudulent, you can click on the “Exit” and “Report” option under group profile.
• PhonePe App: Go to the Help section and raise a complaint.
• PhonePe Customer Care: Call 80-68727374 / 022-68727374.
• Social Media Reporting:
  • Twitter: PhonePe Support
  • Facebook: PhonePe Official
• Grievance Redressal: File a complaint at PhonePe Grievance Portal.

Reporting to Authorities:

• Cyber Crime Cell: File a complaint online at Cyber Crime Portal or call 1930.
• Department of Telecommunications (DOT): Report suspicious messages, calls, or WhatsApp/Telegram fraud via the Chakshu facility on Sanchar Saathi Portal.

Important reminder — PhonePe never asks for confidential or personal details. Ignore all mails claiming to be from PhonePe if they are not from the phonepe.com domain. If you suspect fraud, please contact the authorities immediately.