Census workers are now beginning to canvas neighborhoods to verify addresses.  Be cooperative, but cautious! 
You could become a victim of fraud or identity theft. 

Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data. 

A Census workers may contact you by:

• telephone,
• mail, or
• in person by knocking at your door.

Census workers are currently knocking on doors only to verify address information.  Ask to see photo identification and their badge before answering any questions.  Remember, never invite anyone you do not know into your home.  

How do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? 

U.S. Census workers will have:

• a badge;
• a handheld device;
• a U.S. Census Bureau canvas bag; and,
• a confidentiality notice.

The Census Bureau worker might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range.

Do not give your:

• Social Security number,
• credit card or
• banking information to anyone - even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census.  

The worker will not ask for:

• your Social Security number,
• bank account number,
• credit card numbers, or
•  ask for donations.

A Census worker will NOT contact you by e-mail.  Be on the lookout for e-mails claiming to be from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Never click on a link or open any attachments in an e-mail that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.

If you believe you have had your identity or personal information stolen, you can get help!

Contact the VICARS program (Victims Initiative for Counseling, Advocacy and Restoration of the Southwest.

Web site:  http://www.idvictim.org 

Toll-free phone:  1-888-343-4414

Email:  info@idvictim.org