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We saw it with the 2010 Census: scammers lying to people about the availability of jobs as census takers, and charging fees to help people get those jobs. If history is any indication, the scammers will likely be back at it for the 2020 Census.

The FTC is partnering with the U.S. Census Bureau to help you guard against potential census job scams. Knowing how the recruiting and hiring process works will help you spot, avoid, and report scams.

The Census Bureau is recruiting to fill hundreds of thousands of temporary field and office positions across the country. Pay rates vary by position and location. There are two main tips to know:

  • There is no fee to apply. Anyone who asks for a fee to help you get a Census Bureau job is a scammer. In fact, you never have to pay for information about job vacancies or employment opportunities with the U.S. government. What’s more, federal agencies never charge application fees or guarantee that an applicant will be hired.
  • Go to the Census Bureau’s website at 2020census.gov/jobs to complete an online application. The only way to apply for 2020 Census positions is through this website. The online application includes questions about your education, work, and other experience. You’ll need to give the following information to get started:
    • Social Security number
    • Home address (physical location and mailing address)
    • Email address and phone number
    • Date and place of birth

Be sure you’re on the Census Bureau website before you give these details. For more information, visit 2020census.gov/jobs.

If you have general questions about 2020 Census jobs or technical issues with your application, contact the Census Bureau’s Jobs Line at 1-855-JOB-2020 (1-855-562-2020).

  • Select Option 1: For technical help with your job application or hiring documents.
  • Select Option 3: To speak to a local Census Bureau representative.

And if you suspect a census job scam, report it to rumors@census.gov and to the Federal Trade Commission.

 

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The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.

  • We won’t post off-topic comments, repeated identical comments, or comments that include sales pitches or promotions.
  • We won’t post comments that include vulgar messages, personal attacks by name, or offensive terms that target specific people or groups.
  • We won’t post threats, defamatory statements, or suggestions or encouragement of illegal activity.
  • We won’t post comments that include personal information, like Social Security numbers, account numbers, home addresses, and email addresses. To file a detailed report about a scam, go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

We don't edit comments to remove objectionable content, so please ensure that your comment contains none of the above. The comments posted on this blog become part of the public domain. To protect your privacy and the privacy of other people, please do not include personal information. Opinions in comments that appear in this blog belong to the individuals who expressed them. They do not belong to or represent views of the Federal Trade Commission.

Christine white
January 27, 2020
Cant get anywhere on site says my email is wrong doubling up on my letters...would like to start ...still waiting for call back an hour ago.
Eileen
February 06, 2020

In reply to by Christine white

Doubling up of letters was happening to me too. Happens when using mobile phone. Used a laptop and had no problem.
VickiLee
February 03, 2020
I have been trying to get past the initial page, where a profile is created. I have been trying for over two weeks with no success with the exception of two women one in Honolulu and one in Los Angeles a text have been weird and very unhelpful. I don't know where to go now. One of the people who was assisting me actually called me and said that she heard the way the technicians had talk to me and she was horrified however from a technical sense she was unable to help me. I don't know what to do now I really need help I really would like to work for the census does anyone have a suggestion ?
Lisa Archer
February 18, 2020
Will a hiring representative call and ask you to check your applicant portal and ask you to complete documents without sending an email? Will a hiring representative ask your social when calling the help center?
Mary B Froehli…
March 16, 2020
Is the Census 2020 we received in the mail legitimate? It says I can answer on the computer.
FTC Staff
March 16, 2020

In reply to by Mary B Froehli…

The website for the US Census says homes will start getting mail from the Census Bureau from March 12-20, 2020.

The website says you can answer using the computer, by phone, or by mail. 

EDWARD Hilliard
March 23, 2020
Trying to log on can't get no where
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