With the start of the 2022 population census at the beginning of February the security company Fidelity ADT urges residents to remain vigilant because criminals might use this opportunity to try and exploit people.
This is South Africa’s fourth post-democracy census, and it is the first time that it will be done digitally. Respondents are therefore given the option to fill out the questionnaire directly on Statistic South Africa’s (Stats SA) website. Or, they can do it with the assistance of a fieldworker.
According to Charnel Hattingh, head of marketing and communications at Fidelity ADT, criminals commonly tend to gain access to a property by posing as a municipal worker or other service provider. The census is therefore the perfect timing for criminals to pose as fieldworkers. Hattingh gives a few tips on keeping residents and their family safe until the census fieldworkers have concluded their job at the end of March.. Verification of the field worker is vital. Homeowners can easily verify the identity of a fieldworker on the official website statssa.gov.za, before letting anyone into their home.. This is also a golden opportunity for telephone scammers to try and convince people that they are calling from Stats SA. Hattingh says the red flags to look out for is when you are being asked intrusive and inappropriate questions. . Everyone at your house or office should be informed and aware of the census. Do not open your door or safety gate, until you are sure that the person is who he or she says they are.
For assistance with registration, respondents may contact the call centre on 0800 110 248. The registration platform is data free, so you will not be charged for accessing the registration platform.
