2026 Census scams: How to identify fake letters, emails and texts

As Census night fast approaches, Australians are being warned to look out for potential scams and report any inaccurate or suspicious information.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's Scamwatch told SBS News it had recently received reports of Census-related scams involving unknown parties "impersonating" the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

"Scammers often take advantage of major events and trusted government services to make their contact seem legitimate," a Scamwatch spokesperson said.

"Australians should take a moment to stop and check before acting."

While the ABS said it's currently unaware of any scams related to the upcoming Census, the national statistics agency has said cold calls, fake text messages, and phishing emails are among the tactics scammers have used in the past.

The ABS is also reminding Australians that it will never ask for information such as:

• Bank details or credit card information
• Money or donations
• Passwords
• Identity documents or a tax file number.

It's also stressed that people will never be offered prizes or incentives for completing the Census, which is compulsory for everyone in Australia on Tuesday 11 August.

It will also never contact people via social media or ask for personal information without their consent. However, some Australians may also receive online communications if they register for updates through myGov.

Is this Census letter genuine?

Most households will receive a paper letter containing instructions to complete the Census online. Paper or individual forms can also be requested, if preferred.

Census letters contain an ABS logo in the top-left corner. Paper forms will include a Reply Paid envelope with the address: Reply Paid 93909, DANDENONG VIC 3175.

Field officers are already in some communities dropping off paper Census forms and will continue to do so in the lead-up to 11 August.

They will also follow up with households that do not complete the survey on Census night.

These staff must carry an ABS identification card while undertaking Census work. They also wear a bright yellow satchel.

Is this Census email real?

Census-related emails will only be sent to people who have provided their details online and requested a response. Information, including Census login details and security codes, will only ever be sent from official emails ending in @abs.gov.au.

Official emails will never contain hyperlinks to websites.

If Australians subscribe to updates through myGov, all communication — including a link to the online Census form — will be sent via the myGov Inbox.

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People who manage accommodation, including strata or building managers, may receive an email from ABS staff ending in censusfield.abs.gov.au or abs.gov.au.

Emails from the Parliamentary Document Management system will end in pws.gov.au.

Is this Census text message a scam?

The ABS will only send an SMS message if someone has requested Census login details or security codes. The message's sender should appear on phones as CENSUS.

If someone submits an inquiry form that requires a follow-up call, the ABS will send a message notifying the person to expect a call from a private number.

If unsure whether a message ostensibly from Census officials is legitimate, people can contact the ABS via their official website.

If people receive a suspicious message from someone claiming to be from the ABS, they can call the ABS Support Line on 1300 100 557 or report a scam via Scamwatch.

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