Census 2020 To Begin Starting Thursday

Officials say scammers are trying to target Nevadans around the census count, with phishing emails and text messages.

They said individuals will claim to be with the US Census Bureau and will approach the doors of residents as well, asking for sensitive information such as social security numbers, credit card information or by mailing fake census forms to unsuspecting residents that also ask for sensitive information.

Officials say the best way to protect against scam activity is to know what to look for when approached or when receiving correspondence related to the census count.

They said the US Census Bureau will not send unsolicited emails to request your participation in the 2020 census. Officials say the Census Bureau may contact you via email to request your participation in other surveys such as:

  • If you have been selected to participate in the Household Pulse Survey, you will be contacted by COVID.survey@census.gov or by text message from 39242.
  • If you have been selected to participate in the Small Business Pulse Survey, you will be contacted by econ.pulse@census.gov. 
  • If you have previously opted in to participate in Census Bureau research studies, you may be contacted by census@subscriptions.census.gov.  
  • You will NOT be contacted regarding any stimulus packages related to COVID-19.

Officials say representatives working for the Census Bureau may be identified by the following:

  • Census takers will be wearing a U.S. Census Bureau shirt, lanyard, and/or carrying a U.S. Census Bureau tote/laptop bag. 
  • All Census takers will be carrying a badge issued by the U.S. Department of Commerce that will include their name, photo, and a gold chip which resembles the one found on most credit cards.

 

Officials Warn Of 2020 Census Scams

Courtesy of US Census BureauCourtesy of US Census Bureau

Photo courtesy of US Census Bureau.

The 2020 Census form will NOT ask for:

  • The Census form WILL NOT ask for information such as a resident’s social security number, citizenship status, credit card or bank information, donations, political party affiliation or anything regarding the 2020 election. 

Key dates for the census:

  • Ongoing Update leave process in rural counties
  • August 11, 2020 Nonresponse follow-up begins  
  • October 31, 2020 Final response deadline 

Officials say residents who are unsure of the legitimacy of communications or wish to report a fraud my contact the Census Bureau hotline at 1-844-330-2020 or can email them at nvcensus2020@gov.nv.gov. The Nevada Census 2020 website at www.census.nv.gov contains up to date information to keep residents aware of the process as well.

They said Nevadans can fill out their census questionnaire online, via phone at 884-330-2020 or 884-468-2020 for Spanish, or mailing in the hard copy.