Security Corner Blog

The U.S. Census Bureau is committed to making the 2020 Census quick, easy, and safe for all participants. Here are some tips to help you stay safe.

Avoiding Scams Online

Phishing is a criminal act in which someone tries to get your information by pretending to be an entity that you trust. Phishing emails often direct you to a website that looks real but is fake—and may be infected with malware.

A key way to identify scam websites is to look at the website address. All valid Census Bureau websites will always have ".gov" at the end. 2020census.gov provides key information about the 2020 Census and how to respond. My2020census.gov is the direct website address you can use to respond to the 2020 Census online. 2020census.gov will also direct you to my2020census.gov to respond.

It is important to know that the Census Bureau will not send unsolicited emails to request your participation in the 2020 Census. You won't receive Census Bureau emails unless you have signed up to receive them. Remember, the Census Bureau will never ask for your information via email. Further, during the 2020 Census, the Census Bureau will never ask for:

• Your Social Security number.
• Your bank account or credit card numbers.
• Anything on behalf of a political party.
• Money or donations.

In addition, the Census Bureau will not contact you on behalf of a political party.

Staying Safe at Home

If someone visits your home to collect a response for the 2020 Census, you can do the following to verify their identity:

• First, check to make sure that they have a valid ID badge, with their photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date.
• If you still have questions about their identity, you can call 844-330-2020 to speak with a Census Bureau representative.

Reporting Suspected Fraud

If you suspect fraud, call 844-330-2020 to speak with a Census Bureau representative. If it is determined that the visitor who came to your door does not work for the Census Bureau, contact your local police department.

More tips to avoid census scams

1. Check ID. Verify census takers by checking their photo ID badge, which includes an expiration date and a Department of Commerce watermark. They will also have a briefcase and mobile device with the 2020 Census logo.

2. Know the questions. The census asks how many people live at the residence and whether it is owned, rented or otherwise occupied. It also asks for a telephone number. For each resident, it will ask for their name, age, birthdate, gender, race, whether they are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and the relationship to the first person on the form. That’s it.

3. Avoid red flag questions. You won’t be asked for Social Security numbers, citizenship, bank or credit account information, your mother’s maiden name, money or donations.

4. Avoid emails claiming to be from the Census Bureau. Information from the agency will almost always come by mail, and requests for participation won’t be made via email. If you receive suspicious emails, forward them to [email protected].

5. Check the address. Make sure any mail sent from the census has a return address of Jeffersonville, Ind., the site of the bureau’s National Processing Center.

6. If they threaten you with arrest, it’s a scam. Although participating in the census is required, you can’t be arrested for refusing to comply. You can, however, be fined.

7. When in doubt, call. If you’re worried about a phone survey, piece of mail or website, call (800) 923-8282 to speak with a local representative.