MEDIA STATEMENT                                                 24 October 2025

For Immediate Release

Stats SA warns the public against false door-to-door ID verification claims

Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has noted false messages circulating on social media and community WhatsApp groups claiming that government officials are visiting households to verify identity documents or collect biometric information for census-related purposes.

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. 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 genuine Stats SA fieldworkers:

All fieldworkers carry official photo ID cards and signed approach letters.

They wear Stats SA-branded attire, including t-shirts, bibs, and caps.

They operate official vehicles branded with the Stats SA logo.

The public is encouraged to verify the legitimacy of fieldworkers using the verification tool available on the Stats SA website at www.statssa.gov.za  or by contacting the Call Centre on 0800 110 248.

Suspicious activity should be reported to the nearest police station and brought to Stats SA’s attention via its social media platforms or Call Centre.

Public notice: current surveys in the field.

Governance, Public Safety and Justice Survey (April 2025-March 2026)

Quarterly Labour Force Survey (Collected quarterly)

General Household Survey (January-December)

Domestic Tourism Survey (January-December)

Consumer Price Index (Collected monthly)

Issued by:

Statistics South Africa

For media inquiries, please contact: Felicia Sithole Tel: 012 339 2401 Cell: 0764300693 Email: felicias@statssa.gov.za

Follow us on social media: Facebook: Stats SA; X: @StatsSA; LinkedIn: Statistics South Africa; YouTube: TheStatisticsSA