Door to door government survey?

[UserThenLotsOfNumbers]

I should have just ignored the doorbell!

A lady with a clipboard and bumpf claiming to be from the government conducting a survey appeared at my door earlier (on a Saturday). Asked if I had time to complete survey about what people know about environmental policies for the government, showed me some paperwork, looked fairly legitimate.

Apparently survey takes 20 mins. Said I didn't have time right now, but she persuaded me to let her come back later, on Monday. I gave her my first name an phone number, but no data she could do much with.

I have never come across this before, is this genuine or a scam?

Thanks.

I have a no cold caller sign. You hzpuld have tested her by taking a photo of her on your mobile phone and said that you're just running her visage through Scotland Yard/the FBI/Crimewatch mugshot data base.

FBI mugshot database lol
I think she was genuine, I was questioning it afterwards as had never come across this before and it took me by surprise a little.

Could it be this

www.gov.uk/guidance/taking-part-information-for-survey-participants

Thanks for the link. I also found this page. I hadn't received a letter, which is why I started to think it could be dodgy. Feel a bit foolish now, but at least I didn't give her any information about me she could do anything with.

She was probably from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) and they are required to work evenings, weekends etc to maximise the number of people they can interview. She should of shown you id and left a letter with you that has a number you can ring to check the validity of the survey.

I've taken part in a couple of these. One about the NHS and the other to do with education, training and work. They do take ages but I don't mind too much because that's how they gather the info for a better understanding of what is affecting Joe Public. The NHS one sent me a LoveToShop voucher for about £20 I think? That was nice.

I think you're right, she did show me a letter on headed paper confirming the study.

Thanks Katerina, do they take any personal details from you?

Yeah I think they did. I could choose to not answer whatever I wanted.

Thanks. Oddly enough I got a text from her this morning saying she found someone else to do the survey, so didn't need to call round Monday after all. Put a kiss on the end! I didn't reply.