The North Gwinnett Voice has partnered with our local census representatives to help residents understand the importance of participating in the census.
Parts One and Two of our census series gave readers a general overview of the census, as well as, a rundown of the survey and how to complete it.
In this installment, the privacy and security of your information will be discussed. The U.S. Census Bureau is bound by law to protect your information. Census employees take an oath to protect your information for life.
Some people might not want to participate in the census out of fear that another government agency will pursue them or that it will impact their benefits. The U.S. Census Bureau cannot share your information. The law ensures that your private data is protected and that your answers cannot be used against you by any government agency or court. The information they collect cannot impact someone’s medicare or food stamp benefits or be reported to immigration. Information also cannot be shared with law enforcement.
From the beginning of the data collection process to the very end, the U.S. Census Bureau follows strict guidelines when handling your information. They use state-of-the-art software to protect their IT infrastructure to make sure their systems are secure, which means your data is safe. They work nonstop to identify, prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats against their systems.
The Census Bureau will never send out unsolicited emails to request that you participate in the census. Also, they will never ask you for your social security number, your bank account/credit card number(s), or for money/donations. If you are asked for any of these things, don’t give them out. It is a scam.
If someone visits your home stating they are there on behalf of the Census Bureau, ask to see their I.D. badge. You can also call 1-800-923-8282 to speak to a local Census Bureau Representative to confirm identity.
If you suspect fraud, the U.S. Census Bureau asks that you report it by calling 1-800-923-8282.
For more information on the 2020 U.S. Census, visit 2020census.gov.
