Full Notification

MERIDIAN POLICE DEPARTMENT
NEWS RELEASE: Monday, March 9th
CONTACT: Stephany Galbreaith, Public Safety PIO, 208-830-8100 or [email protected]
 
Meridian Police Discuss 2020 Census Scam Prevention Tips
 
Every ten years the U.S. Census Bureau does a national head count. Starting in mid-March, residents will start seeing invitations to respond in their household mailboxes. When filling out the 2020 Census for your home, you should count everyone who is living there as of April 1, 2020, Census Day. Although there are many benefits to participating in 2020 Census, Meridian Police Department reminds residents to be vigilant when providing personal information. Identity thieves and scammers will use the Census as an opportunity to steal personal information. Understanding what information the Census will not collect is a good way to protect yourself. See the list below for information you should refrain from releasing.
 
A reminder that genuine 2020 Census surveys and agents will never:

• Ask for your social security number.
• Ask for your bank, credit card or account numbers.
• Ask for money or donations.
• Ask for support for a political party.
• Ask when you leave for or return from work.
• Threaten jail time.

Census fraud can happen at home or at work. Be especially watchful for impostors from now until the end of July, when the actual Census Bureau will be sending out reminders to fill out your form and following up in person at households that don’t respond.
 
“Census scammers can contact you by phone, email, regular mail or even a home visit,” said Deputy Chief Basterrechea, “If someone comes to your home claiming to be from the Census Bureau make sure they have a valid ID badge, with their photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date.”
 
You can call 800-923-8282 to speak with a local Census Bureau representative if you have any questions about the identity of a 2020 Census Agent.