On the 3rd of February, StatsSA launched the fourth post-democratic population census. Additionally, it is the country’s first digital census where at least 165 000 fieldworkers are deployed to count everyone within our borders. Since starting, and until the 28th of February, three methods of collecting census data have been implemented.
These methods include Face to face interviews – Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI), Online – Computer Assisted Web Interview (CAWI), and Telephonic – Computer Assisted Telephonic Interview (CATI).1 Respondents are encouraged to register and select which method they would prefer to fill out the census questionnaire.
Without registration, or in the event of selecting the face-to-face interview option, Census 2022 fieldworkers will be visiting our suburbs to collect the population and housing data.
It is important to note that the most common way criminals gain entry to properties is by posing as a service provider. Therefore, residents must remain vigilant and confirm verification of a person posing as a fieldworker. The official website provides a list of fieldworkers by province, allowing residents to easily verify their identity before allowing them in.
Furthermore, telephonic scammers will use technology to convince you that they are calling from Stats SA. There are a few red flags to look out for when faced with either a telephonic or face-to-face fake Census fieldworker.
- Asking for intrusive and inappropriate questions
- Require you to reveal personal information
- Asking to redo the process
Your personal and home security must be always kept top of mind. We encourage you to:
Be Vigilant
Being prepared is half the job done – make sure that everyone in your household knows that the census is running. Educate everyone on the right procedure and security measures that you have decided on as a household.
Verify your Census fieldworker
It is essential that you confirm whether the person claiming to be a StatsSA field worker is indeed one. You can use this link to conduct verification via the StatsSA verification page. There you can see the fieldworkers identifying photographs, their supervisor’s name, and the district they are allocated to
Know the Questions
There are only certain questions that the StatsSA fieldworker is permitted to ask the residents. So, please be aware of the statistics that are being collected and only answer valid questions.
If you find yourself with someone who is claiming to be a fieldworker, or you receive a scammer call that cannot be authorised, call the StatsSA toll-free hotline (0800 110 248) for more information.
Alternatively, if you are a Broubart client, and feel under duress simply activate your Broubart Panic Button and we will have one of our Broubart Reaction Officers dispatched to your home to provide peace of mind with regards to any potential scammers/criminals wanting to access your property.
1https://bit.ly/3GNblMd
