Be wary of 2020 census scams

LITTLE ROCK -- Every 10 years, the U.S. Census Bureau has the important job of counting every living person in our country. Beginning in mid-March, an invitation to participate will either be mailed or hand-delivered to each home. If no response is received by May either by mail, online or over the phone, census takers will begin visiting homes and can return up to six times until the questionnaire is completed.

"This is one time every person will be contacted by a government entity," said Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. "It's important for Arkansans to know which questions will and will not be asked by the Census Bureau and not fall prey to scammers pretending to be the Census Bureau."

According to the Federal Trade Commission, the questionnaire asks:

• How many people are in the home?

• What is their sex, age, race and ethnicity?

• What is their relationship to one another?

• What is the best phone number to reach you?

• Do you own or rent the home?

For a full list of questions, go to 2020census.gov. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, every answer is confidential and answers will only be used for statistical purposes.

The following information will never be asked by the Census Bureau:

• Social Security number.

• Money or donations.

• Bank or credit card account information.

• Anything on behalf of or about a political party.

If a person claiming to be the with Census Bureau asks any of those questions, it is a scam and they should not be cooperated with, according to the attorney general. Instead, hang up and report the call to the Census Bureau by calling 800-923-8282.

Some households will receive follow-up phone calls from the Census Bureau to ensure quality control. To help distinguish between legitimate Census Bureau calls and scammers, check out "Are You in a Survey? Help for Survey Participants" on the Census Bureau's website.

If you suspect fraud, call 800-923-8282 to speak with a local Census Bureau representative or call the attorney general's office at 800-482-8982 or [email protected].