Census scams: how to tell a real Census Bureau contact from a fake
Quick answer
Real Census Bureau survey contacts never ask for your full Social Security number, bank account numbers, passwords, or money. If someone claims to be from the Census Bureau, verify them with the Bureau's staff directory or regional office before you share anything.
- Comes by
- Phone call, Email, Text, In person, Mail
- Pretends to be
- U.S. Census Bureau
- Last updated
How it works
The Census Bureau does run surveys and its field staff do visit homes and call, so a real contact is possible. Scammers use that to ask for the information the Bureau says it never requests: your full Social Security number, bank account numbers, passwords, money or donations.
The Bureau explains how to verify a contact. A field representative in person shows an ID badge with a name, photo, Department of Commerce watermark and expiration date. A caller can be checked in the Bureau's staff directory. Real email comes from an @census.gov address.
The FTC adds that caller ID alone isn't proof, and you shouldn't click links or open attachments in a suspicious email.
Red flags
- A request for your full Social Security number
- A request for bank account numbers or passwords
- A request for money or donations
- A caller or email you can't find in the Census Bureau's staff directory
- An email from an address that doesn't end in @census.gov
- A visitor with no ID badge or an expired one
Example message
This is the Census Bureau. We're updating records for your household. To complete your survey, please confirm your Social Security number and bank details at [link] today.
What to do
- 1
Don't share sensitive details
The Bureau won't ask for your full Social Security number, bank account numbers, passwords or money.
- 2
Verify the person
Check the name in the Census Bureau staff directory, or call the regional office for your state. For visitors, look at the ID badge.
- 3
Don't click or open attachments
Leave links and files in suspicious emails or texts alone.
- 4
Report it
Report suspected fraud to the Census Bureau using the contact details on its fraud page, and to the FTC.
- 5
If you shared details, protect your identity
Change passwords and watch your credit. Our guide on what to do after a data breach covers the steps.
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
A fake census contact sounds believable when it knows your name and address. Those details are easy to find on people-search sites.
Serus finds where your phone number, address and email are listed on people-search sites and other data brokers and files removal requests, and it alerts you when your details turn up in a breach. That won't stop every message, but it gives scammers less to work with.
Common U.S. Census Bureau scams
- Census Bureau scam 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.
- Census scam Real Census Bureau surveys exist, so check before you answer. Scammers pose as the Bureau to get your Social Security number or bank details. The Bureau won't ask for money, your full SSN, or card or bank numbers. Verify through census.gov, not the contact info you were sent.
- Census survey scam Scammers pose as census takers to get your personal information. The Census Bureau never asks for your full Social Security number, bank or credit card numbers, or money or donations. Check the photo ID, and if unsure, verify with the Bureau using details you look up yourself.
Frequently asked
Does the Census Bureau ask for my Social Security number?
Not your full number. The Bureau says it won't ask for your full Social Security number, bank account numbers or passwords.
How can I tell a real Census worker at my door?
They should show an ID badge with their name, photo, Department of Commerce watermark and an expiration date. You can also call the regional office.
Is a Census survey itself a scam?
No. The Bureau does run real surveys. Scammers pretend to be Census staff.
Where do I report a fake Census contact?
Use the Bureau's fraud page and report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Sources
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