January 30, 2012
by Dave Craggs
0 comments
THE FOLLOWING HAS BEEN RECEIVED FROM TRADING STANDARDS, PLEASE SHARE WIDELY
Trading Standards are aware that an email entitled ‘Population Census: a message to everyone – act now‘ is being circulated, allegedly in the name of National Statistician, Jil Matheson. This email demands individuals provide further personal information, supposedly for the Census and threatens fines for non-compliance.
This email is a scam and a hoax. It has no connection whatsoever with the National Statistician, the 2011 Census or the Office for National Statistics. PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND
We believe the links in the email could download malware to any computer where the user clicks on the links. This could put your personal data, including financial information, at risk.
Anyone receiving this, or similar emails, should delete them, not open any links and certainly not provide any information.
For more information on how to protect yourself from this type of threat, please see www.getsafeonline.org
If you wish to, please report receipt of any such suspicious emails to www.actionfraud.org.uk
The Office for National Statistics takes the protection of personal census information extremely seriously. Collection of census data was completed last year and no further requests will be forthcoming from the Office for National Statistics relating to the 2011 Census.
The statement will shortly be added to the ONS web site http://www.ons.gov.uk/
Please pass this information to family members, friends, neighbours and anyone you think maybe vulnerable.
For general consumer advice please contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or go to http://www.direct.gov.uk/