How to Recognize a Survey Interviewer from the State Data Agency (Statistics Lithuania)?
The State Data Agency continuously conducts official statistical surveys, during which interviewers – the Agency employees – visit residents throughout Lithuania. Data they collect are used to produce official statistics, which serve as a basis for decision-making at the national level, planning public services, and assessing social and economic changes.
We understand that it is important for residents to know who is knocking on their door and how to recognize an official representative of the State Data Agency. In light of the increasing number of fraud cases, we remind you of the key features that will help identify an interviewer.
“Statistical surveys carried out by the State Data Agency are an important part of the national information system: their results are used by decision-makers, municipalities, businesses, and society. Therefore, it is particularly important for us that residents trust interviewers and know how to identify them. Each interviewer works according to clear rules, and residents always have the right to ask for identification and verify through the official State Data Agency channels whether the person is indeed an interviewer”, notes Jūratė Petrauskienė, Director General of the State Data Agency.
When visiting a resident, a survey interviewer from the State Data Agency:
- always introduces himself/herself and explains which statistical survey he/she is conducting and its purpose;
- presents a valid official service (professional) card confirming that he/she is a representative of the Agency;
- wears clothing or has items with the State Data Agency’s logo. Depending on the season, this may include a polo shirt, a jacket, a sweatshirt, a scarf, or a neck scarf. The interviewer may also carry a backpack with the State Data Agency’s symbol.
What will an interviewer never ask for?
Interviewers from the State Data Agency collect only the information necessary for statistical surveys and will never ask for:
- online banking login details;
- payment card numbers or PIN codes;
- cash;
- bank transfers;
- disclosure of data that is unrelated to the statistical survey being carried out or is excessive.
If a person claiming to be an interviewer asks for money, financial information, or other data unrelated to a statistical survey, we recommend ending the conversation and reporting the incident to the relevant authorities.
How to verify an interviewer’s identity?
If you have doubts whether the person who arrived is an interviewer, you can verify this in several ways.
The State Data Agency’s website provides the following information:
- the interviewer’s name and surname;
- phone number;
- the county where he/she conducts surveys.
- You can also obtain information about ongoing statistical surveys:
- from your local eldership;
- by email at <[email protected]>;
- by calling the State Data Agency using the phone numbers provided in invitations to participate in surveys and published on the Agency’s website.
Why is it important to participate in statistical surveys?
Statistical surveys provide reliable information on the living conditions, employment, income, health, education, business, and many other areas of Lithuania’s population. This information helps in making data-driven decisions at both national and municipal levels.
All information collected during surveys is used solely for statistical purposes. Individual residents’ data are confidential, protected in accordance with applicable legal requirements, and are not publicly disclosed.
Residents’ safety is our priority
If a survey interviewer from the State Data Agency visits your home:
- ask him/her to present his/her official service (professional) card;
- pay attention to the official Agency’s attributes;
- if necessary, verify the interviewer’s details on the State Data Agency’s website;
- never disclose your online banking login details, payment card information, or hand over money.
If you have even the slightest doubt about the identity of the person who has arrived, we recommend contacting the State Data Agency through official channels to verify the information before starting the survey.