Census Bureau to Call Households, Larson Urges Residents to be Aware of Identity Theft Scams
For Immediate Release: April 12, 2010
Contact: Paul Mounds 860-278-8888
Census Bureau to Call Households, Larson Urges Residents to be Aware of Identity Theft Scams
Hartford, CT- Yesterday, the U.S. Census Bureau announced it will be contacting some households who have responded to the 2010 Census to clarify some answers about the number of people living at the given address. U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) is asking residents to be alert as a number of scam artists are attempting to use the 2010 Census to commit identity theft.
"Providing information to the Census Bureau is safe and confidential. However, please be aware of potential scam artists, and remember that Census workers will not ask you for your social security number, your citizenship status, or personal financial information," said Congressman Larson. "Phone calls by the Census Bureau are strictly made to clarify answers previously provided by a household to a Census taker in person or on census forms."
Congressman Larson reminded residents that the U.S. Census Bureau will not ask individuals for the following information over the phone or in person:
- 1) Citizenship Status
- 2) Social Security Number, bank account number, or credit card information
- 3) Solicit for donations or contact you by email
In addition, Congressman Larson provided information on the protocol the U.S Census Bureau will abide by when calling a household to verify answers on the 2010 Census form (below).
•The caller will identify themselves as working for the U.S. Census Bureau.
•After confirming they have reached the correct household, the caller will provide the household an approval number from the Office of Management and Budget and its expiration date (12/31/2010). This number allows the Census Bureau to conduct this survey and requires the household's participation. The interview will take approximately 10 minutes.
•If the interviewer calls and nobody answers the phone, he or she will leave a message requesting the household to return the call. In addition, a specific case identification number will be provided so the household can call back and complete the interview.
•If a household would like to confirm they have been contacted by the Census Bureau, they may call one of the numbers below and use the eight-digit case identification number they were provided to complete the interview.
English: 1-866-851-2010
Spanish: 1-866-859-2010
By law, the Census Bureau cannot share respondents' individually identifiable answers with anyone, including other federal agencies or law enforcement entities.
For more information and questions concerning the 2010 Census, please contact Congressman Larson's office at 860-278-8888.