GARDAÍ in Clare are warning about the potential for criminals to impersonate Census takers issuing security advice on how to identify legitimate enumerators ahead of Census 2022.

“People should always be aware of the potential for ‘bogus callers’ calling to homes pretending to be from different organisations which could include impersonating a census enumerator,” says Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Triona Brooks.

The 2022 Census will take place on the night of Sunday, April 3 with 5,100 enumerators delivering and collecting forms to and from every household in the country over ten weeks between March 2 and May 6.

“Enumerators will call to every dwelling a number of times in an attempt to make contact with the householder, to deliver forms and explain about the Census. It is anticipated that enumerators will work mainly between 9am and 9pm on weekdays and weekends,” Sergeant Brooks explains.

She adds that Census enumerators will not ask to come inside people’s homes.

When it comes to identifying enumerators, she outlines, “All enumerators will wear CSO yellow hi-vis vests marked with Census on the front and Census Enumerator on the back.

“They will also wear a photo ID card around their neck and will show it to people when engaging in their work. Census Enumerators will not enter dwellings.

“The enumerator will leave a calling card with their contact details if there is no answer when they call. The public can call the census office at 0818 2022 04 to verify an enumerator’s identity.”

She advises carrying out a security check generally when unknown people call to the door.

“Are you expecting callers, if not look out the window to see the caller? Have a viewer fitted in your door, you are safer behind a closed door. Have a door chain/limiter fitted and keep the chain / limiter on, if you must open the door use the limiter.

“There are electric doorbells that link to your mobile phone. Make sure your back door is locked before you go to the door. If you are going to engage, ask for ID – a genuine caller won’t mind.”

She concludes, “The basic rule is if you don’t know the person at your door, you shouldn’t let them in. Census enumerators will not ask to enter your home. If anxious contact your local Gardaí.”