No están suplantando al Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos para robar en domicilios, es un bulo
This article exposes a recurring hoax in which scammers allegedly impersonate census workers to facilitate burglaries. This false narrative has circulated across Latin America since 2024 and has recently resurfaced in modified formats. Both the Spanish National Police and Argentina’s statistical institute have officially debunked these claims, emphasizing that official census operations never involve biometric data collection, photo-taking, or requests for personal identification at doorsteps. The persistence of this urban legend highlights how misinformation exploits public trust in government institutions to spread fear and distrust, despite lacking any factual basis or evidence of such criminal activities. The relevance to open data lies in the critical intersection between official statistical transparency and public confidence. For open data initiatives to succeed, they must be grounded in verifiable truth and clear communication protocols. When false narratives about data collection processes proliferate, they undermine the legitimacy of official statistics and discourage public participation. This case demonstrates that maintaining integrity in open data requires not just releasing accurate information, but actively combating disinformation that distorts the understanding of how and why data is collected. Ultimately, the article underscores the importance of relying on authoritative sources rather than viral social media alerts. It serves as a reminder that the ecosystem of open data depends on an informed public capable of distinguishing between genuine statistical inquiries and malicious scams. Strengthening digital literacy and establishing direct, transparent channels for official communication are essential steps to protect both citizens and the integrity of data systems from exploitation by bad actors.
Source: rtve.esPublished on 2025-12-03