Fake Census Takers in Reims: Scam Alert

Reims Residents Warned of Imposters During 2026 Census Campaign

the 2026 census campaign, which began recently and is scheduled to conclude on February 21, 2026, has unfortunately created opportunities for fraudulent activity, prompting authorities in Reims, France, to issue a public safety warning. Individuals posing as enumerators are reportedly attempting to gain access to residents’ homes under false pretenses.

The City of Reims,having deployed 45 census takers to survey occupants across 8,901 housing units,is urging vigilance. According to a statement released on the city’s Facebook page on February 2, 2026, reports have surfaced of individuals falsely representing themselves as census officials in several neighborhoods, including Courlancy, dauphinot, Orgeval, and rue Rivart-Prophétie.

“Peopel showed up at the homes of Rémoises and Rémois while not being agents on a census mission in several neighborhoods,” the city’s Facebook post detailed.This has raised concerns about potential security risks and prompted a proactive response from local officials.

Did you know? – France conducts a comprehensive census every five years, providing crucial data for public services and resource allocation. The 2026 census aims to count the entire population residing in France.

To ensure the safety of residents, the City of Reims has outlined clear guidelines for verifying the authenticity of census takers. legitimate enumerators are required to present an official identification card. This card must prominently display the word “enumerator,” feature the French tricolor – blue, white, and red – at the top left, bear the signature of the Mayor of Reims, and include a photograph of the enumerator.

Furthermore, residents are reminded that they should have been informed in advance about scheduled census visits. A letter from the Mayor of Reims notifying them of the upcoming survey should have been received prior to any home visits. This proactive notification system is designed to prevent unexpected and potentially fraudulent encounters.

Pro tip – Never provide personal information, such as bank details or social security numbers, to anyone claiming to be a census taker. Legitimate enumerators only ask questions related to the census.

The city’s warning underscores the importance of verifying credentials and remaining cautious during the census period. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to local authorities, helping to protect their community from potential scams and ensuring the integrity of the 2026 census.