Caithness cyber security expert gives top tips on avoiding Census scammers
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Dr Keith Nicholson of Cyber Security Scotland has published some top tips on how to recognise scam messages related to the Census.
Dr Nicholson who lives in Mey is renowned as a leading cyber security expert, serves on the Scottish Government’s National Cyber Resilience Advisory Board and is the author of the Cyber Resilience Framework.
He said: "I fully anticipate greater use of text messages in scams of all kinds as people tend to trust texts and are more alert to malicious links in emails.
"Also, while people recognise the need for security software on laptops; mobile phones are often forgotten and vulnerable. As so many payment transactions are made using mobile phones, these devices increasingly hold personal and financial information which makes them an easy target for cyber criminals."
Dr Nicholson added that though he had not seen any specific alerts on mass cyber campaigns using the census as cover, people need to be aware of the threat and take precautions. "Articles through the press such as these are important in raising public awareness and providing guidance."
Dr Nicholson's cyber security advisory notice on Scottish 2022 Census scams:
As Census day of March 20 approaches it is likely that scams pretending to be from the census will be seen more frequently. These are most frequently sent by email or text and any message purporting to be from the Census should be viewed with suspicion.
Mobile phones and tablets are particularly vulnerable – it being too easy to click on a link in a text or email out of habit.
What does a scam message look like?
Common scams claim that information is missing from your submission or there are errors and that you need to resubmit your census or risk a fine. They typically look something like this:
There is information missing from your Census. Failure to update your details may result in a £1000 fine. Please complete this here: [scam internet link]
Telephone call scams
Although email and text are the usual means of scams, sometimes you may receive a phone call asking for details or payment of a fine. This is definitely a scam. The Census team will never cold call you over the phone for any reason.
How to spot a scam
Scams almost always ask you for either:
- payment of money for a fine or fee
- personal financial information, such as your national insurance number, bank details, or debit and credit card details
The Census team will never ask you for money or personal financial information. If you do receive something asking for these, you can be sure it is a scam. They will only phone, email or text you if you have asked them to do.
Report a scam by email to: dataprotection@nrscotland.gov.uk with details of the scam message.
Be Secure
When completing the census online follow these tips:
1. Update the security software on your PC, laptop, tablet or mobile phone. If you don’t have security software on any device, basic free software is available, for example Avast.
2. Switch on the Virtual Private Network (VPN) provided by the security software.
3. Make sure you are on the correct website: www.census.gov.scot
4. Only use the Internet Access Code you received in the post from the Census team at National Records of Scotland.
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