2010 Census Scam Warnings

PIERRE, S.D.-   Attorney General Marty Jackley is alerting South Dakotans of various 2010 Census scams occurring throughout the country. The scams include official-looking requests for personal financial information.   These census scams could come in the form of an email, direct mail or even someone knocking on the door of a household.

“It is very important that every household participates in the 2010 Census; in fact, it is mandatory,” states Attorney General Jackley.  “Unfortunately, there are scam artists seeking to obtain personal information that is not part of the census. It is important that you guard your personal information carefully,” said Jackley.  

The official U.S. Census Bureau website (www.census.gov) states the most important thing to remember is that they will never ask you for your social security number. They do not conduct the census on the internet and no not send emails about participating in the 2010 Census.  The Census will never ask you for passwords, pin numbers, bank accounts or signatures.   They also will never ask for donations or money.

The survey will only ask ten questions and will have a colored background.  The questions are as follows:

Complete List of 2010 US Census Questions

• How many people were living or staying in this house, apartment, or mobile home on April 1, 2010?
• Were there any additional people staying here April 1, 2010 that you did not include in Question 1?
• Is this house, apartment, or mobile home: owned with mortgage, owned without mortgage, rented, occupied without rent?
• What is your telephone number?
• Please provide information for each person living here. Start with a person here who owns or rents this house, apartment, or mobile home. If the owner or renter lives somewhere else, start with any adult living here. This will be Person 1. What is Person 1's name?
• What is Person 1's sex?
• What is Person 1's age and Date of Birth?
• Is Person 1 of Hispanic, Latino or Spanish origin?
• What is Person 1's race?
• Does Person 1 sometimes live or stay somewhere else?

If you've already filled out the form but think you've been scammed, you should treat it like any other case of identity theft: contact your banks, credit bureaus, and local authorities.  For more information you may also contact the Office of Attorney General, Division of Consumer Protection at 1-800-300-1986 or email ConsumerHelp@state.sd.us.