Don’t Fall For A Census Scam

Today the 2010 Census will mail letters alerting you to the fact that you will soon be receiving your 2010 Census questionnaire in the mail. Believe it or not, many more people return their Census questionnaire if they receive the advance letter.

Since activity around the 2010 Census is starting, I thought it would be helpful to review how the Census Bureau contacts people. There are always lots of criminals who will take advantage of any opportunity to rip you off. Here’s the lowdown on exactly how you will be contacted. Don’t fall for a scam!

The Census Bureau:
Does NOT conduct the 2010 Census via the Internet.
Does NOT send emails about participating in the Census.

The Census Bureau:
NEVER asks for your full social security number
NEVER Asks for money or donations
NEVER Sends requests on behalf of a political party
NEVER requests PIN codes, passwords or similar information for credit cards, banks or other financial accounts.

If you think someone is scamming you the Census Bureau has advice and asks for your help.

In Person Scam
Check for a valid Census ID badge.
Ask for a second form of ID.
Census workers should NEVER ask to enter your home.
Call your regional office to verify you are in the survey.

Email Scams
If you think it is a bogus email, do not reply or click on links!
Do not open attachments.
Forward the email or web url to [email protected]
After forwarding, delete the message.

Mail scams
Contact the US Postal Inspection Service.

Every community has been challenged to improve their mail-in participation rates over those from 2000. If you don’t mail in the Census, a worker will come to your door. We here in Rockville all want to do our part to be counted, but we don’t want criminals to ruin the process.

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