City of Davis

October 15, 2009 – Important U.S. Census Information

The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. They will be gathering information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.

Importantly, con-artists may seize this as an opportunity to retrieve your personal information. Below are some important tips that may help you distinguish a legitimate U.S. Census worker from a con-artist posing as one:

• If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag and a confidentiality notice. You can ask to see their identification and their badge before answering any of their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don’t know into your home.
• Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. They are not collecting Social Security numbers, credit card or banking information, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census. While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, it will not ask for Social Security, bank account or credit card numbers nor will employees solicit donations.
• Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail or in person at home. However, they will not contact anyone by e-mail, so be on the lookout for e-mail scams impersonating the Census.