Census: Myths & Realities
Demystifying The 2020 Census
Compiled By Ian Harmon
With the 2020 Census approaching soon, The Census Bureau Trust and Safety Team seeks to get ahead of the myths and misinformation that is polluting the air around the process.
MYTH: The census isn’t important.
It is! The census at its nucleus is about money and power. Every year billions of dollars go from the Federal Government back to state and local communities for schools, roads, health care clinics, and other impactful enhancements to improve districts. Political representation at federal, state, and local levels is also based on census population counts.
MTYH: I don’t have to complete the census this year, I can do it next year.
False! The census takes place once every TEN years. The last time was in 2010, and the next won’t be until 2030. Accurate information has to be entered and then processed this year as it will affect the next decade.
MYTH: The census will email asking for social security and bank information to verify my identity.
They won’t! Most of the United States gets an invite either mailed or delivered to your house between March 12th and 20th. April 1st is Census Day and you are supposed to complete and send off your form based on household composition as of that date. If you don’t, a census taker will knock on the door to make sure to get everyone counted. That happens between May and July as 500,000 people are hired locally in their community and workers that know the area canvas and survey the residents where the census was not completed. Do not give any information to scammers who may email posing as a census associate, the census will not collect confidential information through email.
MYTH: Any information posted on social media about the census is accurate.
False! Social media is the breeding ground for misinformation and disinformation regarding the census. The Census Bureau Trust and Safety Team is working hard with Google, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and other sites who have updated their terms of service to include census-specific activities in light of the false information that is being spread.
MYTH: Nothing can be done to stop the spread of misinformation about the census.
The good news is you can help to combat the spread of lies. Report inaccurate, suspicious or fraudulent information to the Census Bureau. If you see or hear something, inform the Census Bureau:
Report suspicious information and tips to rumors@census.gov.
Reach out on our verified social media accounts (@USCensusBureau) to ask questions and flag suspicious information.
Call the Census Bureau Customer Service Hotline at 1-800-923-8282 to report suspicious activity
For more information about the census or how to apply for open roles to work with the census this year, please visit census.gov
