Census authorities warn against OTP, document fraud as 2027 digital enumeration begins (special)
Times of India | 2 August 2026
Kolkata: As Bengal rolled out its first fully digital Census with the launch of the self-enumeration process on Saturday, the authorities issued a strong warning against cyber frauds and urged citizens not to share documents, bank details or one-time passwords (OTPs) with anyone claiming to be an enumerator.
Speaking to TOI, West Bengal Census director Nikhil Pawan Kalyan stressed that the Census does not require residents to furnish any supporting documents and advised people to verify an enumerator’s official identity before allowing them into their homes.
“If anyone claiming to be an enumerator asks for your Aadhaar card, property papers, bank documents or an OTP, they are fraudsters. Do not click on any links or share any documents. All information collected during the Census will be accepted on face value,” Kalyan said.
While the optional self-enumeration process began on Saturday, govt-appointed enumerators will start door-to-door visits from Aug 16, during the house listing and verification phase, covering every household, office and other structures with a questionnaire of 34 questions.
“The answers will be accepted on face value and anyone undergoing the survey need not provide any documents or OTP to the enumerator. Since enumerators will also enter people’s homes, residents should carefully verify each enumerator’s identity card before allowing the survey to begin,” Kalyan said.
He also cautioned people against fraudulent calls, suspicious text messages and fake links that cybercriminals could circulate during the Census exercise.
Launching the digital Census self-enumeration process from Bidhannagar, CM Suvendu Adhikari reiterated that all information collected during the Census would remain strictly confidential and enjoy legal protection. “It will be used only for statistical purposes, planning and development. There is no possibility of any individual’s personal information being disclosed or misused,” he said.
Senior officers of Kolkata Police and Bidhannagar Police said they would launch separate public awareness campaigns over the coming days to educate residents about possible Census-related scams and the precautions they should take.
“We anticipate that fraudsters may try to exploit the process by impersonating officials. Citizens should never share OTPs, banking credentials or confidential documents with anyone over phone or online. If they receive any suspicious calls or messages in the name of Census, they should immediately report the matter to police or the national cybercrime helpline,” a senior KP officer said.