Beware of Census Scams

Every ten years, the U.S. Census Bureau has the enormous job of taking a head count of every person living in the country. This is not only a constitutional requirement; it also helps the government decide legislative districts, how to distribute federal grants, and plan for emergency preparedness, among other things.

But how can you tell if a person claiming to be working for the Bureau is legitimate? Here are some tips:

There are also some clear warning signs that the person gathering information is a con artist, such as the following:

Just remember, NO genuine census worker will ask for your Social Security number, credit card, or bank account numbers. They will never ask you when you leave for or return from work. They won't ask for money. They won't threaten you with jail time if you refuse to answer a question. Any of these warning signs is a sure indication that the person is a con artist. AND THEY WILL NEVER CALL YOU, UNLESS YOU CALLED THEM FIRST!

Taking part in the census is your civic duty, and is easier than ever; in 2020, you will be able to respond to the census online. Just make certain you are aware of census scams, and please report a scam call to the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 1-877-908-3360.