As India began the self-enumeration phase of the 2027 Digital Census, authorities have issued a nationwide advisory cautioning citizens against cyber fraudsters who may attempt to exploit the large-scale exercise by impersonating census officials. Residents have been urged not to share Aadhaar details, bank information, property documents, passwords or one-time passwords (OTPs) with anyone claiming to be associated with the Census, warning that such requests are fraudulent and not part of the official process.
According to census authorities, the optional self-enumeration process commenced on August 1, marking the country’s first fully digital census initiative. Officials clarified that individuals completing the census are not required to submit any supporting documents while providing information. All responses collected during the exercise will be accepted based on self-declaration, eliminating the need for document verification during data collection.
Officials have emphasized that anyone posing as a census enumerator and asking for Aadhaar cards, property papers, banking documents, OTPs or directing citizens to click suspicious links should be treated as a fraudster. They advised people to immediately refuse such requests and report suspicious incidents to law enforcement agencies.
The door-to-door phase of the census is scheduled to begin on August 16, when government-appointed enumerators will visit households, commercial establishments and other structures to conduct house listing and verification. Authorities stated that enumerators will carry official identity cards, and residents should carefully verify these credentials before allowing anyone to enter their homes or begin the survey.
The census questionnaire will include 34 questions covering demographic and household information. Officials reiterated that no resident will be required to produce documentary proof while responding to the questionnaire. The objective is to simplify participation while ensuring that personal information remains protected throughout the process.
Launching the digital self-enumeration initiative in Bidhannagar, the West Bengal government reiterated that all information collected during the Census would remain strictly confidential and receive legal protection. Authorities said the data would be used exclusively for statistical analysis, public policy planning and developmental purposes, adding that there is no provision for personal information to be publicly disclosed or misused through the official census mechanism.
Senior officials from Kolkata Police and Bidhannagar Police have announced separate public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about potential census-related cyber frauds. Police expect cybercriminals to exploit the nationwide exercise by impersonating government officials through phone calls, text messages, fake websites and phishing links designed to steal personal or financial information.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said large government initiatives often become attractive opportunities for cybercriminals because they exploit public trust and create a sense of urgency. He advised citizens to remember that government officials never seek banking credentials, OTPs or confidential financial information during official verification exercises. He also recommended verifying the identity of field personnel through official identification cards and avoiding unsolicited links or calls requesting sensitive information.
Authorities have appealed to the public to remain vigilant throughout the Census exercise and report suspicious communications immediately. Citizens receiving fraudulent calls, messages or emails in the name of the Census have been advised to contact local police, report the incident through the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930), and use the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal wherever necessary. Officials believe that public awareness, prompt reporting and careful verification of enumerator identities will play a critical role in preventing fraud during India’s largest digital population enumeration exercise.
