How to Spot a False Census Taker
Every 10 years, the U.S. Census Bureau counts the country's population and records certain information about its residents. Since the work is a massive undertaking, the Bureau must hire and train thousands of people as field representatives to perform the work. Unfortunately, some dishonest people consider the census an opportunity to perpetuate crimes. The Census Bureau provides ways that members of the public can use to distinguish genuine field representatives from scam artists.
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Instructions
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Ask the field representative for identification. According to the Census Bureau, a representative must present an official badge that displays her photograph, a Department of Commerce watermark and an expiration date.
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Request contact information for the representative's supervisor for verification. A rep must provide this information, as well as the phone number for the regional office, if asked.
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Look for other items that confirm the representative's identity. Reps must carry a letter from the director of the Census Bureau that's written on official letterhead, and will also have a laptop and/or bag that displays the Census Bureau logo.
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