U.S. Census Is Very Important, but be Wary of Scams

The U.S. Census counts every resident in the United States every 10 years as required by the U.S. Constitution. Beginning this month, census forms are being mailed to every residence in the country.

Participating in the census is very important for the State of Arizona. Census information affects the number of seats our state occupies in the U.S. House of Representatives. The information also helps determine how more than $400 billion dollars of federal funding each year is spent on infrastructure and services that include hospitals, schools, senior centers, job training centers, bridges and other public works projects.

To complete the census survey, residents simply need to answer 10 short questions and mail the form back in the postage pre-paid envelope. The census will collect your name, address, race, ethnicity, the type of home that you live in, whether you rent or own your residence, your telephone number, the number of people living in your home and the relationship of residents in the home.

Unfortunately, scam artists have also emerged to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers.

The census will not ask for money, bank account information, credit card information, Social Security number, salary/income, citizenship, or immigration status. It will also not ask your political party affiliation, your position on health care, Medicare/Medicaid, or border issues.

If the form is not returned, a census worker may show up at your home, show you the form that was sent in the mail and ask to conduct the survey. The census worker will have an ID badge and will not enter your home. The census will not be sent to you through e-mail. If you receive a census e-mail, it is a scam. If you are suspicious of an individual claiming to be census taker, call the 2010 Census Office at 1-877-233-4776.

If you believe you are a victim of a fraud or scam, please contact the Attorney Generals Office in Phoenix at 602-542-5763, in Tucson at 520-628-6504 or outside of the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas at 1-800-352-8431. Consumers can also file complaints online at the Attorney Generals site at www.azag.gov. You may also visit the website to sign up for our Scam Alerts.

To file a complaint in person, the Attorney Generals Office has satellite offices throughout the state with volunteers available to help. Locations and hours of operation are posted on the Attorney Generals site.

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