PEOPLE in Wales are being urged to watch out for a text message scam in relation to the national census.

Recipients are told that there is information missing from their completed census and asked to click on a link to complete their form or face prosecution.

By clicking the link they are directed to a site which appears identical to the original online census form, on completing the form and submitting the recipient is asked to pay a £1.25 fee.

Trading Standards Wales has issued a warning, and its chair, Helen Picton, said: “Scam calls and texts to mobile phones are a serious problem, there is no mobile phone equivalent to a landline call blocker to stop them coming through.

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“Some of these messages are very convincing. Remember, that no government agency would send you a notification demanding money via text or via automated telephone message.

“If a company sends you a link via text message to click on, ignore it. If you are unsure because you have an account with that company, contact them directly and don't use the link provided.”

There are some things you can do to cut down the numbers of scam calls and texts:

• Most mobile phones have settings to block numbers. Search the internet for "blocking numbers on my (brand) mobile more advice on your phone" or there is usually advice on your mobile phone providers website

• You can register with the Telephone preference service

• Report these texts to National cyber security centre - 7726

• https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/suspicious-email-actions

• Contact the Census 2021 Contact Centre by telephoning 0800 169 2021 for Wales.