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The Federal Trade Commission is partnering with the U.S. Census Bureau to help you guard against potential census scams. Knowing how the 2020 Census process works, what information you will — and won’t — be asked for, and some red flags will help you spot and report scams.

The Process

In mid-March 2020, the Census Bureau will start mailing out (and, in some areas, hand delivering) invitations to participate in the 2020 Census. You should get yours by April 1. You can respond online, by phone, or by mail.

The Census Bureau has an important job: to count every person living in the United States. Starting in May 2020, census takers will start visiting homes that haven’t responded to make sure everyone is counted. If you aren’t home or can’t come to the door, the census taker will come back up to six times. Each time, they’ll leave a door hanger with a phone number so you can call to schedule a visit.

The Questions

The census questionnaire asks how many people are in the home at the time you complete the form; their sex, age, race, ethnicity; their relationships to one another; phone number; and whether you own or rent the home. For the full list of questions on the 2020 Census, visit Questions Asked.

Signs of a Scam

Scammers may pose as census takers to get your personal information — and then use it to commit identity theft and other frauds. But there are ways you can identify official census takers.

Census takers must show a photo ID with the U.S. Department of Commerce seal and an expiration date. If you ask, the census taker will give you a supervisor’s contact information and/or the census regional office phone number for verification.

The Census Bureau will never ask for your full Social Security number, bank account or credit card numbers, money or donations, or anything on behalf of a political party. The 2020 Census will not ask citizenship status.

The Census Bureau may call you as part of their follow-up and quality control efforts. They also might call if you’re not home when a census taker stops by or when a personal visit is not convenient. Calls will come from one of the Census Bureau’s contact centers or from a field representative. Since we all know you can’t trust caller ID, visit How to identify a phone call from the Census Bureau for the phone numbers you can use to check out any calls you might get.

Make sure you have the latest and most accurate information about the 2020 Census. Visit 2020 Census Rumors to fact-check and ask questions.

If you suspect fraud, call 800-923-8282 to speak with a local Census Bureau representative. You also can file a report with the FTC at FTC.gov/Complaint. Your reports may help law enforcement agencies launch investigations that could stop imposters and other fraudsters in their tracks.

Want information on the latest frauds and scams we’re seeing? Sign up for our consumer alerts.

 

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Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts
Don't use your…
November 15, 2019
It would be a benefit to us all if you show us an actual I.D. rather than what one should contain Census takers must show a photo ID with the U.S. Department of Commerce seal and an expiration date Thank you - Ken
censusconcerns
November 14, 2019
send this info out again closer to census
Mar
April 01, 2020

In reply to by censusconcerns

Thank you for that added onformation it is vital.
rysio
November 14, 2019
This is extremely important to all but especially seniors and those living alone Thank you for the info which I will share
Tarragona Neig…
November 14, 2019
Will you be putting out a handout we can give out with this info including the details from the link "how to identify a phone call..." and the Rumors info?
FTC Staff
November 14, 2019

In reply to by Tarragona Neig…

Here's the information about How to Identify a call from the Census Bureau. I didn't insert the Rumors 2020 information now. I think information will go on that page if any rumors develop over time.

How to identify a phone call from the Census Bureau

If your address was selected to be in a survey, we may call you to participate. Some surveys are done exclusively by phone. We might also call you if we do not find you at home or when a personal visit is not convenient.  You may receive a call from one of our contact centers or from a field representative.

Contact centers

The Census Bureau uses two contact centers, one in Jeffersonville, Indiana, and the other in Tucson, Arizona. The caller will identify themselves and the name of the survey. If they are unable to reach you, they will leave a message with a case ID associated with your survey.

Most Census Bureau calls asking you to participate in a survey originate from one of the following numbers:

  • (812) 218-3144, Jeffersonville Contact Center
  • (520) 798-4152, Tucson Contact Center

If you receive a call and wish to independently verify that a number is from the Census Bureau, you can call one of the following numbers:

  • 1-800-523-3205   Jeffersonville, IN
  • 1-800-642-0469   Tucson, AZ
  • 1-800-923-8282   Customer Service Center
Neighborhood W…
November 14, 2019
"Since we all know you can’t trust caller ID, visit How to identify a phone call from the Census Bureau for the phone numbers you can use to check out any calls you might get." I am sure the scammers appreciate this list & will spoof the numbers you provided.
FTC Staff
November 14, 2019

In reply to by Neighborhood W…

The link in our blog connects to a list of US Census Customer Service centers that you can call INTO if you want to check on a call.

L. T. Bat
November 14, 2019
Will the Census Bureau seek information via text messaging on phones?
ldwllc
November 15, 2019
After reading this and the comments, it appears to me you have given scammers a lot of the information they need to get started on setting up a scam. Certainly enough information to make me skeptical of any contact from the "Census Bureau".
FTC Staff
November 15, 2019

In reply to by ldwllc

The Census Bureau will start by mail, and, in some areas, hand delivering, invitations to participate in the 2020 Census. You should get yours by April 1.

You can choose how to respond: online, by phone, or by mail. If you're worried about being scammed, make sure you know the questions the census will ask.

A native NYer
November 15, 2019
What if do not want to give out our phone number? Do we reeaally have to? Isn't that one of those questions that we can "Prefer not to answer".
FTC Staff
November 15, 2019

In reply to by A native NYer

The information you give is protected by federal law. The Census Bureau is bound by Title 13 of the United States Code.  Private information is never published.

  • It is against the law to disclose or publish any private information that identifies an individual or business such, including names, addresses (including GPS coordinates), Social Security Numbers, and telephone numbers.
  • Census Bureau employees are sworn to protect confidentiality. People sworn to uphold Title 13 are legally required to maintain the confidentiality of your data. Every person with access to your data is sworn for life to protect your information and understands that the penalties for violating this law are applicable for a lifetime.
NJ
November 16, 2019

In reply to by FTC Staff

Yes, that's good but Scammers don't really care about Laws. They could very well use all the information you just gave us to present themselves as ligament Census Bureau Employees that are bound by "Title 13 of the United States Code" (in blue font color)
My info is not free
April 04, 2020

In reply to by FTC Staff

Is it required by law to have a phone? What if I don’t have one?
Dianev113
November 15, 2019
Don't forget the Census is out working on other surveys all year long and it's not a scam.
Remember1939
November 15, 2019
Thank you for all the information!
Annie
November 16, 2019
People with post office boxes did not receive the census last time. I picked one up and mailed it in. I do not not have a mailbox at my residence.
jwm
November 18, 2019
please send out the is info again closer to the actual census time
Scam Scooper
January 03, 2020
You say "The Census Bureau will never ask for your full Social Security number, bank account or credit card numbers, money or donations, or anything on behalf of a political party." Why would they ask for any part of your social security number or any other card number? They should not get it!
George
March 12, 2020
I feel like you should reword your letter. On the front you have this that says this is your invitation to Respond. To me this means you can if want to or you do not have to. Good thing I read the back of the letter. It says there that you are required by Law to fill out. Just kinda confusing. I did fill out .
Wile...
March 17, 2020
In April of 2019, I responded online to a piece of mail named American Community Survey. Is this separate from the actual Census Form? The mailing states "Responding promptly will prevent you from receiving additional reminder mailings, phone calls, or personal visits from Census Bureau interviewers." I have since received another Census mailing with a different Census/ID. Please respond.
MargieT
March 20, 2020
I just got my survey yesterday and tried to fill it out, but when I went to site the front page opened, but it would not go anywhere from there?
jmillress
March 25, 2020
How many times do they want us to fill out the questionnaire/report online? So far, I've gotten four of them (all with different sign in numbers). I've only filled it out once, but it sure seems to be wide open for abuse and incorrect counting.
no trust
March 25, 2020
The names of persons, date of birth are infringement to ones privacy for the purpose of census.
james66
March 29, 2020
I have a serious complaint against mailings for the 2020 Census. I worked for the 2000 Census for 9 months so I know how its supposed to work. Today is March 27 and I received a postcard indicating that I haven't completed the census. According to questionnaire its supposed to be completed with info from APRIL 1st!! So why are my tax dollars being WASTED by sending out mailings (I received something similar in early March urging me to complete census with inaccurate data. If someone in my household died or moved on or before March 31 and I had completed my questionnaire as that person is "in residence" on April 1 then my data would be FRAUDULENT! These mailings should have only been sent no earlier than April 30. As I'm sure there will be more mailings to come I would urge this department of MY government to stop wasting tax dollars HARRASING private citizens who have every intention in filling out their census with ACCURATE information!!!!
Wondering
April 01, 2020
Is there a way to check and see if the Census Bureau has received our survey. I want to make sure we are counted.
Concerned and …
May 14, 2020
I completed my census and mailed it in. Everything was completed correctly. I received a call from someone claiming to be with the census stating they wanted to verify all information was correct and that it would only take about 20 minutes. I told the caller that all the information is correct and told them I would not be answering their questions and hung up. Since then, I have received about 6 calls from the census bureau. Why do they keep calling me? I have blocked the number.
Leave me alone
May 24, 2020

In reply to by Concerned and …

I filled out my census very carefully on line. I’ve received at least 10 calls. I keep telling them the info I already gave on line is correct and to stop calling me. Why do I continue to get calls?
Shagga
May 26, 2020

In reply to by Concerned and …

I've been receiving calls for weeks. I have no idea whether or not it is the census bureau but I will not return any of the calls because I presume it is fraudulent. It is ill-conceived in today's security environment for the government even to think it is appropriate to leave a message asking for a return call, and I'm surprised that on this website the government is admitting that they will sometimes call. Madness.
SouthernMom
May 26, 2020
Is there a place where we can confirm you gave our 2020 online census? Just want to make sure it was transmitted ok.
Annoyed
May 29, 2020
I filled the form out online. It took about 20 minutes. I am now getting phone calls from them asking for more of my time. It's enough. I told them the form was filled out correctly, there is no need to confirm any information on there, please stop calling me. Still, they keep calling. How much of my time do I need to waste on this? Enough is enough and then to be harrassed as well.
Dspring
June 04, 2020
I recently began receiving calls from a number claiming to be from the Census Bureau. I completed my survey a month ago online. It is accurate. I'm not calling this number back due to not knowing the legitimacy of this call AND due to the calls having various reference numbers.
Cc
July 23, 2020

In reply to by Dspring

Same. Everyday, I receive MULTIPLE calls with a recorded message. I filled out our info correctly.
Mary m
June 15, 2020
I completed the online version and there were boxes for entering social security numbers. I wonder now if the site was legitimate.
JelanisMom
June 15, 2020

In reply to by Mary m

Same here! But I still keep receiving census junk mail and now some random person is text messaging me asking if I need help filling out the census.
Jessie
August 13, 2020

In reply to by Mary m

I mailed in two times. Four people have been to my door , does this mean I have been counted six times?
Don't use your…
August 19, 2020

In reply to by Jessie

No, the people showing up at your dm door were probably enumerators who will keep coming back until they get the info verified. The online census is not working correctly all the time which is why they’re sending actual people. Make sure not to give SS or bank info
DGLO
July 16, 2020
I will not give sensitive information over the phone. I have filled out the census form as requested and have mailed it back in the time frame requested. I will not verify my identity to you over the phone and if your census taker comes to my home they had better have some official identification or they won't get it in person either.
Tsims
August 03, 2020
I completed and mailed my census at the end of April. I've not been contacted via phone or mail stating it still needed to be done. I had a person show up at my house yesterday, Sunday August 2nd to complete my survey. I didn't answer the door because I didn't know who it was. They left a flyer stating my survey needed to be completed. I called the number on the flyer and no one I spoke to was able to confirm if my survey had been received or if anyone should be showing up at my house. I don't know who to contact in regards to this, as I stated previously I completed and mailed my survey and haven't been contacted since. Any suggestions?
Joe29
August 08, 2020

In reply to by Tsims

For whatever reason it may have not been received or they may be following up to ensure the information was entered correctly. They absolutely do for a randomly selected number of cases to make sure they’re getting accurate data. They should always have their id badge around their neck and should show it to you and if needed call the district office to confirm. They will give you a printed confidentiality notice. If they start asking for social security numbers, bank numbers, etc obviously tell them you’re calling the police. They will only ask you for name, telephone number, and demographic info. If you’re still suspicious you are allowed to even give them a nickname instead of your real name. It’s most likely a legit enumerator so please don’t be mean to them.
Mimi54
August 08, 2020

In reply to by Tsims

Same thing just happened to me & Im upset. I carefully completed & mailed the census back in March. So someone comes to my door Especially during Covid & wants my census info all over again? Im not standing in hallway of apartment complex giving personal info out!!!! No way I can let her in with several family members at risk including myself.
Aman
August 09, 2020
Please instruct your census takers to follow proper social distancing protocols (given Covid-19) when asking us for information and that masks are a precaution as opposed to a guarantee. Today one of them came within 3 feet of me while trying to confirm my information.
DG
August 10, 2020
I filled out the Census online months ago. Why am I still being contacted? Every time I'm contacted I let that person know I've already filled out the Census. Now somebody has come to my home. I don't need to be counted twice. Plus my dog got out when the person came, I told her I already did it, I told her I'm in the middle of working and I closed the door. She yelled through the door "someone is just going to keep coming". Thanks for the warning; I won't be answering my door at all now.
yardwolf
August 13, 2020
We submitted our form online *weeks ago*, yet we are now being harassed and threatened as though we never sent in our form. We sent it again last night. I hope this marks the end of the threats.
Omaha Resident…
August 14, 2020
On or about August 12th, 2020, a US Census Bureau employee in Nebraska came to my door. I answered all questions, and verified my answers. Done. The census employee said he lives in my neighborhood ? Obviously the US Census Bureau violated my privacy and for a conflict of interest. The questions my neighbor / Census worker asked whether I have a mortgage? How is this the business of any of my neighbors? Today August 14th 2020, a 2nd US Census Bureau worker came to my door. My minor child answered, as I was not in the position to answer myself. Standing 3 feet from the door & in direct line of sight of the worker worker, I dictated to my daughter to tell her, "my mom completed the count this week." I told my daughter to give her my phone number and she could call me in a minute, if she has follow up. Govt worker refused to comply, and proceeded to question my daughter, a minor child, asking in my earshot if my daughter was "over the age of 15?" I raised my voice and angrily proclaimed "do not talk to my minor child, you do *not* have my permission!" A lot of violations here and my report has been filed with the Office of Inspector General in Washington DC.
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