Is the American Community Survey Legitimate?

Yes. The American Community Survey is legitimate.

The American Community Survey is a survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Unlike the every-10-year census, this survey continues all year, every year. We randomly sample addresses in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

Answers are collected to form up-to-date statistics used by many federal, state, tribal, and local leaders. Some American Community Survey questions have been asked by the census since it first began in 1790.

Do you want to verify that mail, phone calls or visits are legitimate?

If your address has been contacted about the American Community Survey and you'd like to verify that this legitimate, you can call toll-free 1-800-354-7271.

If someone has called you about the American Community Survey and you'd like to verify that the phone call is legitimate, you can call one of our telephone centers directly:

  • Hagerstown, MD: 1-800-392-6975
  • Jeffersonville, IN: 1-800-523-3205
  • Tucson, AZ: 1-800-642-0469

If someone has visited your address, and you'd like to verify that this visit is legitimate, you can call your Census Regional Office.

We never reveal your identity to anybody else.

The Census Bureau is legally bound to strict confidentiality requirements. Individual records are not shared with anyone, including federal agencies and law enforcement entities. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share respondents' answers with anyone, -- not the IRS, not the FBI, not the CIA, and not with any other government agency.

All Census Bureau employees take an oath of nondisclosure and are sworn for life to protect all information that could identify individuals. Disclosing ANY information that could identify you or your family means 5 years in prison, or $250,000 in fines, or both.

To protect your privacy, the American Community Survey NEVER asks for:

  • your Social Security number
  • your personal information via email
  • money or donations
  • credit card information

If a field representative comes to your home to help you complete the American Community Survey, he or she will ALWAYS have official Census ID.

We never reveal your identity to anybody else. Ever.

What is the legal authority behind the American Community Survey?

The U.S. Census Bureau's authority to ask these questions, a respondent's obligation to answer, and our commitment to confidentiality - are all part of Title 13 of the U.S. Code.

 

Thank you for your time and effort. It makes a difference!