As the 2010 Census ramps up, the New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB) is urging all New Yorkers to participate in the census - - and not be deterred by the fear of identity theft or falling victim to a scam. New Yorkers can fulfill their civic duty and safely participate in the census by taking simple precautions.
U.S. citizens are required by law to respond to the Census Bureau’s requests for information. Most census forms will arrive in the mail by the middle of March, and are due to be returned by April 1st. Census workers will then go door-to-door from April to July to households that didn’t return the questionnaire.
“We urge all New Yorkers to participate in the 2010 Census,” said Governor David A. Paterson. “Census data will be used to allocate more than $400 billion in federal funds every year and to determine the State’s number of Congressional representatives. At the same time, we want people to be careful and to watch out for census scams.”
“New Yorkers should feel confident about participating in the 2010 Census,” said Mindy A. Bockstein, the CPB’s Chairperson and Executive Director. “By using common sense and heeding some basic precautions, you can make yourself count and also protect your identity from scammers.”
Secretary of State Lorraine Cortés-VÁzquez said: “The census is safe, easy and important. This year’s questionnaire takes less than 10 minutes to fill out, and once you’re done, you can drop it in the mail and not worry about it until 2020. Filling out the form that arrives at your home and returning it through the mail is both the easiest and the safest way to participate. The census is the only civic event that includes every person in the country, and I urge all New Yorkers to participate. If you are concerned if a census activity is legitimate, call your regional census office for more information.”
You can safely participate in the census by noting these tips:
If you believe you have been contacted as part of a bogus or fraudulent census-related activity, report it at itso.fraud.reporting@census.gov or by contacting your regional census office. If you receive something suspicious in the mail, you can also contact the U.S. Postal Service.
“Participation in the census isn’t just important – it’s mandatory,” said Bockstein. “By following these tips, you and your neighbors can be counted safely!"
The New York Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection serves as the state's top watchdog and think tank on a wide range of consumer related issues. Among the services it provides, the Division investigates and resolves consumer complaints, educates the public about product recalls, and represents consumers before public utilities and other state and federal agencies.