Government Census “follow-up call” scam targeting residents in Mississauga and Brampton

Published May 31, 2021 at 2:36 am

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With 2021 Census questionnaires recently sent out to residents, scammers are reportedly trying to take advantage of the situation.

Some residents say they’ve received a “follow-up call” regarding the census in which they were asked to verify inconsistencies in their questionnaire and provide personal information, such as their address.

While Statistics Canada does call households that have not yet completed their census questionnaire (and could send them email and text reminders), it’s best to be wary of a call that seems untrustworthy and avoid giving the caller any information.

“When they contact you on the phone, census employees will identify themselves clearly,” says Statistics Canada. “If you are not sure of the validity of a call, email or text message, please call 1-855-340-2021.”

As for texts, the text message short code used by Statistics Canada is “236732”, and that message includes a link to the census website (www.census.gc.ca).

More information is available on the federal government’s website.

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