Fake Census / Government Survey Data Harvest
A fake census or government survey asks for sensitive details it would never request — like your SSN, bank account, or money.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
Someone posing as the Census Bureau or a government survey contacts you and asks for information the real agency never requests, such as your full Social Security number, bank account, or a payment. The genuine Census never asks for money, your SSN, or bank details, and never threatens you. The goal is to harvest data for identity theft under an official-sounding cover.
What it usually looks like
- A 'census' or 'government survey' call, email, or visit.
- Requests for your SSN, bank account, or payment.
- Pressure or threats for not participating.
- A link or caller that cannot be verified.
Common warning signs
- The real Census never asks for your SSN or bank details or money.
- Threats or urgency to answer 'or else.'
- An emailed survey link asking for sensitive data.
- A visitor with no verifiable Census ID.
Example wording scammers use
“Census verification required: confirm your Social Security number and bank details to complete your record.”
“You must complete this government survey today to avoid a penalty — enter your information here.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Your Social Security number and personal data.
- Your bank or card details.
- To impersonate a trusted agency.
What to do
- Do not give SSN, bank details, or money to a 'census' or survey.
- Verify any Census contact through census.gov.
- Ask an in-person visitor for official ID and verify independently.
- Report suspicious contacts.
What to do if you already responded
- If you shared your SSN, use IdentityTheft.gov and consider a credit freeze.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Notify the Census Bureau of the impersonation.