Statistics Canada is warning the public to beware of callers claiming to work for the federal agency and asking for social insurance numbers, credit card numbers or bank account information.
Statistics Canada conducts regular surveys but it says it does not collect personal financial information.
It's warning people such callers, who refer to StatsCan surveys or the census, do not work for Statistics Canada and their requests are not legitimate.
The agency says the public should not provide the information the callers are asking for.
Statistics Canada is asking people who receive such calls to contact the agency toll-free at 1-800-263-1136 or at infostats@statcan.gc.ca
It's also advising people to contact local police if they've already provided their SIN, credit card number or bank account information under suspicious circumstances over the phone.
Beware of fake pollsters, StatsCan warns
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Published on
January 7, 2009
- Published on June 30, 2010
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The Canadian Press ~ The News
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Comments
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- Bones
- - July 2, 2010 at 14:54:48
To the other Steve: How much will you wager that what you suggest will NEVER happen. Too many jobs to lose, too much money to save, generally, it makes about as much sense as abolishing the senate ; )
How about if anyone is approached, pretend to cooperate and get a name or some other identifying piece of information. Maybe even look out a window and get a plate number off whatever they drive. Put the thieves and cons in jail, or at the very least, have them charged and the charges made public so they can't scam anyone else. Something else, if you can excuse yourself for a second or two, call the police and report a crime in progress. Then prepare to be entertained when they start to squirm for the cops.
Elderly folks, uneducated folks, along with those who are genuinely trusting folks are most likely to fall for this crap. This makes it especially harsh. It's not only a crime, but an ultimate insult to ones' intelligence, no matter how high or low it may be. -
- Donny
- - July 2, 2010 at 14:52:15
Any newfie that provides social insurance numbers, credit card numbers and bank info to a total stranger on the phone is a fool..............there, I said it!
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- Steve
- - July 2, 2010 at 14:42:43
Statistics Canada should be shut down and help save the taxpayers the outrageous budget it consumes. The Canada Revenue Agency covers all the Statistacs that the Government need, and has better security covering that information.
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- Bones
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:40:39
To the other Steve: How much will you wager that what you suggest will NEVER happen. Too many jobs to lose, too much money to save, generally, it makes about as much sense as abolishing the senate ; )
How about if anyone is approached, pretend to cooperate and get a name or some other identifying piece of information. Maybe even look out a window and get a plate number off whatever they drive. Put the thieves and cons in jail, or at the very least, have them charged and the charges made public so they can't scam anyone else. Something else, if you can excuse yourself for a second or two, call the police and report a crime in progress. Then prepare to be entertained when they start to squirm for the cops.
Elderly folks, uneducated folks, along with those who are genuinely trusting folks are most likely to fall for this crap. This makes it especially harsh. It's not only a crime, but an ultimate insult to ones' intelligence, no matter how high or low it may be. -
- Donny
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:36:25
Any newfie that provides social insurance numbers, credit card numbers and bank info to a total stranger on the phone is a fool..............there, I said it!
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- Steve
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:20:10
Statistics Canada should be shut down and help save the taxpayers the outrageous budget it consumes. The Canada Revenue Agency covers all the Statistacs that the Government need, and has better security covering that information.
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