Beware of Suspicious Calls and Visits Claiming to Be from the National Census: A Public Notice from Hitachi City
Hitachi City is issuing an important public announcement regarding a surge in suspicious phone calls and doorstep visits that are falsely claiming to be associated with the National Census. Residents are urged to exercise caution and vigilance to protect themselves from potential scams.
The Hitachi City Consumer Affairs Division has received reports of individuals impersonating census officials, contacting citizens through unsolicited phone calls or appearing at their homes. These individuals may request personal information, financial details, or even attempt to gain entry into your residence under the guise of conducting official census business.
It is crucial to understand that the National Census does not conduct its operations through unsolicited phone calls or by sending representatives to homes without prior official notification. The census process typically involves official mailings, and if in-person visits are required, these will be conducted by clearly identifiable and authorized personnel, usually with advance notice.
What to do if you receive a suspicious call or visit:
- Do not provide any personal information: Under no circumstances should you disclose sensitive information such as your full name, address, date of birth, social security number, bank account details, or any other personally identifiable information to someone claiming to be from the National Census over the phone or at your doorstep.
- Do not grant entry to your home: If someone arrives at your home claiming to be a census official and you are suspicious, do not allow them to enter.
- Verify their identity independently: If you are unsure about the legitimacy of a call or visit, politely decline to provide information and inform them that you will verify their identity directly. You can then contact the official census bureau or Hitachi City Hall through their publicly listed and verified contact channels to confirm if any census-related activity is taking place in your area.
- Hang up or ask them to leave: If you are on the phone and suspect a scam, hang up immediately. If someone is at your door and you are suspicious, politely but firmly ask them to leave.
- Report suspicious activity: It is vital to report any suspicious calls or visits to the police or Hitachi City Hall. Providing details about the incident can help authorities investigate and prevent others from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.
Hitachi City is committed to the safety and security of its residents. By staying informed and taking these precautionary measures, you can help protect yourself and your community from these deceptive practices. Please share this important information with your friends, family, and neighbors.
For any further inquiries or to report suspicious incidents, please contact Hitachi City Hall.
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日立市 published ‘国勢調査をかたる不審な電話や訪問に注意’ at 2025-09-12 01:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.