(WHAS11) - Have you gotten your census yet? The forms went in the mail this weekend. Before you put your pen to paper, though, it's important to be on the lookout for fake forms.
In Thursday's Consumer Watch, WHAS 11's Andy Treinen shows us how to be sure you're answering the right questions... And not one a single question more.
This year's census form is one of the shortest forms in history. It only contains 10 questions -- and none of them ask for personal information like a social security number or a bank account number. But beware, because there are some frauds out there looking to steal your identity.
In general, the 10 questions on the legitimate U.S. Census form ask:
- How many people live in your home?
- Any additional people staying there?
- Do you own or rent the home?
- What's your phone number ?
- List the name of each person in the household.
- What is your sex?
- What's your date of birth?
- Is anyone in the household Hispanic?
- What's your race?
- Do you sometimes live somewhere else?
The U.S. Census form is being mailed to over 130 million households this week. And when mail is not an option census workers like Tracy Thibodeau are finding other ways to distrubute the forms. In rural main that means horseback.
"You know, how many people can go to work with a cup of coffee in one hand, reins in the other," she said. "I think most people don't realize the detail that goes into your census work. We have to reach everybody."
And everybody does have to answer all 10 questions, because if you don't, the law states you could be fined anywere from $100 to $500.
If you ignore the form, expect a knock on your door from a census worker. They'll have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag and a confidentiality notice.
They'll ask you the same 10 questions listed in this story, and not a single question more.
Fun Fact: In 1790, the first census was taken by U.S. marshals on horseback and counted 3.9 million people. Census 2000 counted more than 281 million people.
Have you received a fake census form or email? WHAS11's Anna Prendergast wants to hear your story, please email her at aprendergast@whas11.com
