From April 1, 2026, the census has started in many states of the country. Its first phase will run till September 30, 2026. During this period, house listing, self enumeration (online census), and door-to-door data collection will be done. For this, census workers (enumerators) will come to your home and they will have a long list of questions. Cyber security experts are expressing concerns that scammers may commit fraud in the name of the census. Therefore, it is important to understand the correct census process. We will understand the correct census process. We will also learn the following: Expert: Rahul Mishra, Cyber Security Adviser, Uttar Pradesh Police Question- How can scams happen in the name of census? Answer- Cyber fraudsters can target people by taking advantage of the census process. They can steal personal details through calls, messages or fake links by posing as government employees. See in the graphic below what methods fraudsters can adopt- Question- What questions will census workers ask when they come home? Answer- The Ministry of Home Affairs has released a list of all questions to be asked in the census. See it below- Questions related to housing Questions Related to Family Questions Related to Facilities Questions Related to Digital Goods Vehicles and Other Information Question- Which questions can census workers not ask? Answer- Census workers cannot ask for your financial, banking and personal details. See in the graphic below which details census workers cannot ask for- Question- When will the census begin in which state? Answer- Between April to September 2026, the first phase of the census will be conducted in different states and union territories of the country. In this, first self enumeration and then door-to-door data collection will be done. See the dates of major states in the graphic below- Question- If someone comes to your home claiming to be a census worker, how can you confirm their identity? Answer- For this, keep some things in mind. Such as- How to identify a scammer Question- If a census worker asks personal-financial questions and their identity seems suspicious, what steps should be taken immediately? Answer- In such a situation- Question- What mistakes can people make during the census? Answer- Small negligence during the census can make you a victim of fraud. See common mistakes below- Mistake-1 Trusting census workers without verification. What to do- Give information only to employees who show government ID. Mistake-2 Believing that every question asked by the census worker must be answered. What to do- Answer only questions related to the census. Mistake-3 Giving OTP in the name of ‘data update’ or ‘verification’. What to do- Do not share OTP, PIN or password with anyone. Mistake-4 Paying money in the name of ‘registration fee’ or ‘charge’. What to do- Census is completely free, do not make any payment. Mistake-5 Clicking on fake links/downloading apps. What to do- Fill information only on the official portal. Do not click on unknown links and apps. Mistake-6 Not having knowledge of the actual process and rules. What to do- Get information about the census process and all questions from official sources. Mistake-7 Allowing someone inside the house without verification. What to do- Answer their questions only after verifying their identity. Mistake-8 Giving information in haste or under pressure. What to do- Answer calmly after thinking, do not come under pressure. Mistake-9 Ignoring suspicious activity. What to do- If you have doubts, immediately file a complaint with the police or cyber helpline number 1930. Question- What is the information given in the census used for? Is it kept secure? Answer- The government uses this information to understand the true picture of the country’s population, basic facilities and employment. Question- Can one participate in the census online? What is the correct method for this? Answer- Yes, you can participate online in Census 2027. This is called ‘Self Enumeration’. This is an optional facility through which you can fill in information from home. Understand the correct method- Question- What to do if you suspect a scam in the name of census? Answer- In such a situation, immediately call the cyber helpline number 1930.
