Beware of fraudsters in fake census email (From Your Local Guardian)

Beware of fraudsters in fake census email

11:30am Thursday 16th February 2012 in Sutton By Sophia Sleigh

Sutton Trading Standards is warning people of email fraudsters, using a fake census to try and obtain sensitive personal information.

The email is entitled "Population Census: a message to everyone- act now", allegedly in the name of national statistician, Jil Matheson.

The hoax email tells recipients that they must provide further information for the Census or face a fine.

However, the email has no connection to the census or the Office for National Statistics.

Links in the email could download malware onto the victim’s computer without them realising, which could give scammers access to personal details and financial information stored in PCs.

Councillor Simon Wales, Sutton Council’s executive member for communities, transport and voluntary sector, said: "Anyone who receives an email with this title should delete it without clicking on any of the links or responding to any of the questions.

"The 2011 Census was completed last year, so the Office of National Statistics won’t contact you about it again.

"Online fraudsters use sophisticated scams to try and trick their victims out of personal details, so it’s important to stay vigilant.

"Always be wary of emails which ask you for sensitive information and, if you can, help to look out for vulnerable friends and family who may not be as aware."

Anyone who receives the email can report it at actionfraud.org.uk.