Official 2010 Census forms from the U.S. Census Bureau will soon appear in mailboxes across Connecticut and Consumer Protection Commissioner Jerry Farrell, Jr. has some advice for residents about providing information to door-to-door census takers.
“The official U.S. Census survey is being mailed out later this month and will most likely be at your home in two or three weeks, provided they know where to contact you,†Farrell said. “Your response is required by law, so complete the form as soon as possible and mail it back right away.â€
If you fill out the Census survey and mail it back promptly, it’s unlikely that a census worker will also come to your home, Farrell said. But households that don’t return the form by April 1, 2010 are likely to eventually find someone from the Census at their door.
“While door-to-door census takers are legitimate, please know that scam artists may also try to use this opportunity to gather information for identity theft, or to gain access to your home,†Farrell said. “Never invite or allow a stranger into your home, even if you believe it’s really a census worker. It’s just not necessary for them to enter your home in order to conduct the census.â€
If someone shows up at your home claiming to be from the Census Bureau, check for these indicators.
• Census employees will carry a bag marked with the Census logo.
• They wear a specific badge with the employee’s name, and if they’re driving, they will have a placard in their car.
• They will be able to supply more identification if you ask.
• You can verify their identity by calling the Census Bureau at 1-866-226-2864. You will need to provide the worker’s name and the Case ID number.
Real census workers will NOT ask any questions about your residence other than who lives at the address. Specifically, they are collecting only names, ages, races, and genders information on the people who live at your address.
A scam artist may ask more specific questions about your home and property and may even ask to enter your home. Again, never let a stranger inside. Scam artists may be asking questions about your:
• Social Security number
• Bank information or account numbers
• Political affiliation
“This personal data is NOT being collected by the Census; be suspicious of any supposed census worker who asks for it, and by all means, don’t give out the information,†Farrell said. “Also, if a census worker asks for a “donation,†don’t contribute, because it’s a scam.â€
According to the official website, the Census is not going to use email to gather information. So, ignore and delete any email message claiming to be from the U.S. Census that asks you for personal information. It could be a scam.
The U.S. Census counts every resident in the United States, and is required by the Constitution to be conducted every 10 years. The Census helps determine federal aid and assistance to communities for things like hospitals, job training centers, schools, senior centers, public works projects, and emergency services. Participation by residents of the United States is mandatory.
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