Members of Tennessee Attorney General Herb Slatery’s office are warning Tennesseans not to fall for U.S. Census scams.
This, according to a press release Slatery’s office released this week.
Members of the U.S. Census Bureau are now sending out notices with detailed information on how to respond online, by phone, or by mail.
According to Slatery’s office, members of the Census Bureau will not send unsolicited emails to request your participation. They will not ask for your Social Security Number, bank account or credit card numbers. They will not ask for money or donations. They also will not contact you on behalf of a political party.
“Unfortunately, scammers will use the Census as an opportunity to try and trick people with misinformation,” Slatery said.
“Be aware of imposter websites and emails that may look like official communication from the government.”
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, every home will receive a notification by Census Day, April 1. Census takers will visit homes of people who have not responded in May.
As The Tennessee Star reported last year, U.S. Republican President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing every agency to assist in getting a reliable count of citizens and noncitizens in the United States. The Department of Homeland Security, the Social Security Administration, and other agencies that have population data will share with the Commerce Department to get an accurate count.
This is not the first time in recent weeks that members of Slatery’s office had warned about scam artists in Tennessee.
The Star reported earlier this month that the state Attorney General’s office warned state residents about potential scams following the deadly tornadoes that claimed the lives of at least 25 people in areas including Putnam, Wilson, Davidson, and Benton counties.
Members of Slatery’s office said they want to ensure only legitimate businesses and charities work alongside volunteers to clear debris, repair, and rebuild.
Slatery’s office warned state residents, among other things, not to fall for high pressure sales tactics and to remain wary of unknown, out of state phone numbers.
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Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected].
