Stats SA Urges Public to Verify Survey Fieldworkers Using Smartphones

Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has urged members of the public to use their smartphones to verify the identity of official fieldworkers, amid reports of false claims circulating on social media about door-to-door biometric and ID verification.

Stats SA conducts several household and economic surveys throughout the year, including the:

• Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS)

• General Household Survey (GHS)

• Governance, Public Safety and Justice Survey (GPSJS)

• Domestic Tourism Survey

• Consumer Price Index (CPI) data collection

Stats SA Does Not Collect Biometrics or IDs Door to Door

The agency cautioned the public against individuals falsely claiming to represent Stats SA.

"Stats SA wishes to categorically state that it does not conduct door-to-door visits for biometric collection, ID verification, or fingerprint scanning for any of its surveys – including censuses," the agency said.

"Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant. Individuals claiming to represent Stats SA and requesting access to homes for biometric or ID verification are not acting on behalf of the organisation."

How to Identify Legitimate Stats SA Fieldworkers

Stats SA outlined clear indicators to help the public distinguish genuine fieldworkers from impostors:

• Fieldworkers carry official photo identification cards and signed approach letters

• They wear Stats SA-branded clothing, including t-shirts, bibs and caps

• They use official vehicles branded with the Stats SA logo

Smartphone Verification Strongly Encouraged

Members of the public are encouraged to verify the legitimacy of fieldworkers using:

• The online verification tool available on the Stats SA website: www.statssa.gov.za

• The Stats SA Call Centre on 0800 110 248

This verification can be done quickly on a smartphone before engaging with any fieldworker.

Report Suspicious Activity

Stats SA urged residents to report any suspicious or fraudulent activity to:

• The nearest police station

• Stats SA via its official social media platforms or call centre

The agency emphasised that public cooperation in surveys is important, but personal safety and vigilance must always come first.

Stats SA said it remains committed to conducting its surveys in a transparent, lawful and secure manner, while protecting the public from misinformation and potential fraud.