Arizona Consumers Council

It’s sad, but true. Someone, somewhere, will get scammed by a fake census taker some time this year. Don’t let that person be you. Follow this advice, and don’t let a fake census taker take your private information.
First, know the facts: the 2010 Census will be mailed to 134 million households on March 1. The form has 10 questions about your age, date of birth, race and whether you rent or own a home. It does not ask for your social security number or information about your taxes and income.

Second, fill out the form and mail it back. If you do, then no Census Taker will need to come to your house. If you don’t, it’s likely a Census Taker will call or come to your door to obtain the information.

Third, follow these safety tips:  

• The Census does not ask for your Social Security Number – do not give that information out to anyone claiming to be with the Census Bureau.
• Never invite a Census Taker into your home.
• All Census Takers carry official government badges marked with just their name, a Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date.
• The Census Worker is supposed to provide you with a letter from the Census Director on official letterhead.
• The Census Bureau will not contact you via email.
• Do not click on any websites that pop up disguised as a census survey. The Census Bureau does not solicit information over the internet.
• The Census does not ask for credit card or bank account information.