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Is That Request for "Census Information" a Scam?
Many people are asking whether certain requests for census information are scams. NC's Attorney General has information on how to tell the difference between the official census and potential census scams.
Posted — UpdatedDid you return your census form? If not, expect a visit from a census worker! But how can you be sure the person knocking on your door REALLY works with the census?
Many people have contacted WRAL and the office of North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper asking questions about whether the calls, visits or letters they've received are legitimate. There is word of scams happening all over the country.
So today-- Cooper released another reminder about "How to tell the difference between the official U.S. census and a scam:
-Any real census worker who comes to your door will have an ID badge with a Department of Commerce watermark and expiration date. Ask to see the badge if it isn’t visible.
-Census takers will also be able to provide you with contact information for their supervisor and/or the local census office if you need verification.
-Legitimate census workers will NEVER ask for your Social Security Number, credit card number, or bank account information. They will only ask you the ten questions on the census form.
-Census employees are not allowed to ask you for money, or tell you that you owe the government money (even if you do).
-Census takers will never ask to enter your home.
-Information for the census will not be collected through email or on the Internet.
-Report bogus census emails or websites to ITSO.Fraud.Reporting@census.gov. "
To view the complete release, go to:
http://ncdoj.gov/News-and-Alerts/News-Releases-and-Advisories/Press-Releases/Be-alert-for-census-scams,-AG-Cooper-tells-consume.aspx
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