Man poses as census worker to gain personal information

Census news headline from the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department:

On Saturday, March 27, at approximately 1:30 p.m. an unknown man made contact with the victim at her residence. The subject identified himself as an employee with the United States Census Bureau and wore the appropriate identification cards around his neck. The subject asked the victim personal questions such as her name, date of birth and social security number.

The subject told the victim that she was required by Title 12 of the federal government to provide him with that information and that it was against the law to refuse to provide such information. The subject left her a census form and questionnare to fill out, however, did not give her instructions as to what she should do with the form. The victim contacted the census bureau and was told that the form she was given was a fictitious document.

Census officials say the census forms do not ask for any personal identifying information, such as social security numbers or bank account information, and that a census form will never ask for a signature.

U.S. Census Bureau employees are not to ask for social security numbers, however, a 2010 census form does ask for your date of birth. If you think you have been scammed please contact your local sheriff’s department and monitor your credit reports for any fraudulent activity.

Filed under Consumer News, Headline