Beware fake census officers
Officials say criminals could use the census as a way of talking their way into people's homes
Authorities are warning people to be on their guard as they believe burglars could use this year's census as an opportunity to mine personal information.
Over the past few weeks, national statistics agency Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques (INSEE) has noted an upsurge in identity theft for fraudulent purposes and warns that criminals could use its annual census operation as an excuse to steal information by claiming to be an official either at the doorstep or over the phone.
Between January 18 and February 24, census officers will call at properties in 7,000 communes across France. Participation is compulsory.
If you live in one of the communes taking part in this year's study, you should have received a letter in the post. If you live in a town of more than 10,000 inhabitants, this website can tell you if your commune is one of those covered by this year's census.
For smaller communes, it may be necessary to contact the local mairie to confirm your town or village is involved.
Any officer from the Insee who calls at your door must show you their ID card, which will have the French tricolore in the corner, their photograph and the signature of the local mayor.
They will hand you a paper questionnaire and arrange for it to be collected at a later date or handed into the mairie, or you can choose to answer the questions online instead.
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Insee warns that burglars have been known to pose as census officers to gain a person's trust and be let into their home. If in doubt, call police on 17.
