Census Scams
Every 10 years, the United States Census has performed an “inventory” of people within the United States since 1790. The Census is used to track particular minority groups, age groups and even just to get a better understanding of who is located within the United States. Conducted by the American Community Survey, the census will request information such as names, gender, age, date of birth, race and even the ethnicity of the individuals in your home.
Scam Basics
Though there are a lot of benefits to the US Census, there are a lot of scam artists that are out there willing to take advantage of census times. After the mail-in deadline of the US Census, representatives will begin visiting homes of those who did not mail-in their completed census. This is where these scam artists will come into play. They will pose as US Census Officials that are there to collect your personal data, when in fact they are identity thieves looking to collect your personal data for their scams. These scam artists will typically ask for more than just the general information such as social security numbers and even driver’s license numbers.
How to Protect Yourself
In the event you are approached by a US Census Official, there are a few things you can keep in mine in order to protect yourself from potential fraud. Some of those things can include:
*Realize that the US Census will not contact you via email regarding your information.
*A US Census cannot be completed online; therefore if you are requested to click on a link to complete your census form, do not visit the site.
*The US Census does not need your social security number; therefore do not provide it if you are asked.
*A Census Official should not ask for your driver’s license, banking information or credit card information in order to “verify” your identity.
*An official Census member will have a badge, handheld computer device, and a canvas bag with the US Census Bureau logo. Request to view their badge prior to answering questions and every Bureau member will have a secondary ID to compare it to as well.
*A Census member should not ask to access your home.
*You do not or will not have to pay any money to the Census Official.
*If for any reason you are contacted by an individual claiming they are from the US Census, hang up and call 866-226-2864 and verify the individual calling is working there and authorized to contact you on behalf of the Bureau.