Overview
- Recipients across the UK have found real £5 notes enclosed with invitations to take part in NatCen’s 'Living in the UK survey 2035-2026'.
- BBC Scam Interceptors co-host Nick Stapleton told Morning Live the letters are genuine and not a scam after investigating the source.
- The programme validated authenticity by checking NatCen’s Companies House registration, matching contact details to its website, and calling the organisation directly.
- The letter frames the payment as a small thank-you for completing a broad questionnaire on issues affecting the UK, requiring no special knowledge.
- Viewers were reminded to watch for common scam red flags and to verify suspicious mail using official website contacts rather than details provided in a letter.