2010 US CENSUS SCAMS & SECURITY

Info: Though there have been no instances of scams or other unlawful activity relating to people posing as United States Census Bureau employees, residents are still encouraged to be mindful of the potential.   Scams can be in many forms, but here are two of the most common.

Internet and Email: According to the Census Bureau, across the country, some scams have been reported whereby an email is sent to an unsuspecting victim.  This email requests sometimes unlawfully ask for personal information, social security numbers, banking information, and passwords or pin-codes.  Sometime they even make a promise of a small cash reward for participating in a survey.  The US Census DOES NOT send survey requests or any other information out by email.  DO NOT respond to these messages.  The Census Bureau does have a link on its website for people to report this type of activity.  Please visit www.census.gov for details.

In-Person: If someone comes to your home or business and represents their self as a Census Bureau employee, they will have certain items with them that can ensure their identity.  Workers will have an official US Census Bureau identification badge or I.D.  They will have a copy of the official notification letter that you should have received in the mail describing the survey you are being asks to participate in.  The employee may, in some instances, carry a portable computer or small hand-held data collection device that also bears the insignia for the US Census Bureau.  If there is a doubt in your mind about the identity of the person at your door, don’t let them in and seek assistance from the police department if necessary.

Over-the-Telephone: There may be the need for a Census Bureau employee to call you at your home.  This is not uncommon, but you may wish to confirm that the call is legitimate.  You can do this by calling the National Processing Center at 1-866-226-2864.  This number is only for confirming that you have been contacted by telephone for a survey – it is not a general telephone number for the Census Bureau.