Census Bureau scams: how to tell a real survey from a fake
Quick answer
Census Bureau surveys are real, but scammers pose as census takers to collect your details. A real census taker shows a photo ID with the Commerce Department seal and never asks for your full Social Security number, bank account or card number, or money.
- Comes by
- Phone call, Email, In person, Text
- Pretends to be
- U.S. Census Bureau
- Last updated
How it works
The Census Bureau runs real surveys, including the American Community Survey, so a visit, letter or call can be genuine. Scammers use that to pose as census workers and get personal or financial information.
The FTC says official census takers must show a photo ID with the U.S. Department of Commerce seal and an expiration date. The Bureau says it will not ask for your full Social Security number, bank account or card numbers, or for money.
The scam usually asks for exactly those things, or sends you to a lookalike website.
Red flags
- A request for your full Social Security number
- A request for bank account or card numbers
- Any request for money or a fee
- A visitor with no photo ID showing the Commerce Department seal
- A link or attachment in an unexpected email about a census survey
Example message
This is the Census Bureau. You must complete your survey today to avoid a penalty. Reply with your Social Security number or open [link] to confirm your identity.
What to do
- 1
Don't share the sensitive details
Don't give a full Social Security number, bank or card numbers, or money to anyone claiming to be from the Census.
- 2
Ask to see ID, or hang up and verify
For a visitor, check the photo ID. For a call or email, contact the Census Bureau through its official website.
- 3
If you gave details, protect your identity
Change affected passwords, and consider a credit freeze at the credit bureaus. Report identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov.
- 4
Report it
File at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Report it
Check if your details are exposed with Serus
Scammers find your number and address on data brokers and people-search sites. Serus removes them.
Why you got it
Scammers pair a believable survey story with your name and address, which are easy to find on people-search sites. Serus finds where your address and phone number are listed and removes them where it can, and alerts you when your data shows up in a breach.
More U.S. Census Bureau scams
Frequently asked
Is the American Community Survey real?
Yes. The FTC has said so in a consumer alert. Verify any contact through the Census Bureau's official website.
Will the Census Bureau ask for my Social Security number?
It says it will not ask for your full Social Security number, bank account or card numbers, or for money.
What should a real census taker show?
A photo ID with the Commerce Department seal and an expiration date, according to the FTC.
Where do I report a fake census contact?
At ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Sources
Something wrong or out of date? Tell us and we'll re-check it.
