One thing we hate more than telesales at 18h00 on the home phone, is a knock at the door from someone we don’t know, just as we’re about to sit down and relax in the comfort of our own home.
The third and largest census of South Africa, as a democratic country, will take place during October 2011, where all people within the borders of South Africa will be counted.
In the interest of our country, we need to be cooperative AND cautious!
In the interest of informing all our staff and clients – current and future homeowners – here are some tips that we, at Propvest, have picked up.
- If a Census worker knocks on your door, they will have an ID badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag and a confidentiality notice.
- Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions.
- Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information.
- Do not give your identity number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the Census.
- Remember, no matter what they ask, you really only need to tell them how many people live at your address.
- They may ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, but you don't have to answer anything at all about your financial situation.
Identity theft and fraud is a major problem, on a global scale, and criminals often make use of government operations, like the National Census, to glean personal information from unsuspecting citizens. The Census workers are not allowed to ask you for banking details, payments of any kind and will not attempt to contact you via email. If this happens – it may be a scam and you should not indulge this behaviour.
Make sure that you are ready and are not taken by surprise. Keep your home safe – inform your family, people who stay with you, and friends, so that they too are aware and don’t become victims.
