WILLEMSTAD – The Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) is warning the public about messages circulating on WhatsApp regarding individuals who are allegedly posing as CBS surveyors.
According to the reports, people claiming to represent the statistics office have been going door to door, telling residents they are conducting a census or other survey. CBS says these claims are false.
The agency emphasized that it currently does not have any household surveys being conducted door to door. As a result, no official CBS surveyors are visiting homes at this time.
CBS urged residents to remain cautious and to verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent the organization.
The bureau explained that when official surveys are conducted, households always receive an introduction letter in advance explaining the survey and the period during which a surveyor may visit. These activities are also announced through local media and on CBS social media channels.
Official CBS surveyors are always required to carry identification badges that include their name, a CBS logo, their photograph and the signature of the CBS director. The badge also contains a QR code that can be scanned to verify whether the person is an official CBS surveyor.
Residents are advised not to provide personal information to anyone claiming to work for CBS unless they can show proper identification.
Anyone who has doubts about the identity of a supposed CBS employee is encouraged to contact the bureau directly by calling 724-1802 or sending a message via WhatsApp to 520-2227.
CBS also reminded the public that participation in official CBS surveys is mandatory under the law. For that reason, the bureau stressed the importance of verifying that any survey being conducted is legitimate in order to avoid abuse or confusion.