Scammers now using fraudulent claims around proposed coronavirus stimulus package
As the pubic health crisis surrounding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to have an impact on the country and our local communities, new reports of fraudulent activity connecting the 2020 Census and a proposed economic stimulus package have surfaced. An alarming number of residents have reported receiving text messages urging the user to visit a fake Census website, “2020census.gov/en.html,” and sign up in order to receive a stimulus check from the U.S. government, amid other false claims.
“Understandably, there are growing concerns about the public health situation, unfortunately that same concern is a beacon for scammers and fraudulent claims around the Census count,” said Kerry Durmick, Nevada Census 2020 statewide coordinator. “There is absolutely no connection between the proposed coronavirus stimulus package and the 2020 Census count. If residents hear, read or receive texts or emails or any phone calls claiming as such, they are all false.”
Previous reports across the state about scams targeting Nevada residents include individuals claiming to be with the U.S. Census Bureau, approaching the doors of residents and asking for sensitive information such as social security numbers, credit card information; another scam follows a similar format by mailing fake census forms to residents that also ask for sensitive information.
According to Durmick, the best way to protect against scams is to know what to look for when approached or when receiving correspondence to the related to the upcoming Census count:
Remember key dates
The timeline for release for the 2020 Census is as follows:
| March 16-24 | Reminder letters mailed |
| March 26-April 3 | Reminder postcard mailed |
| APRIL 1, 2020 | NATIONAL CENSUS DAY |
| April 8-16 | Second reminder and hard copy Census Questionnaire mailed |
| April 20-27 | Final postcards mailed before in-person follow up begins |
Know what the 2020 Census form WILL NOT ask for
- The Census form WILL NOT ask for information such as a resident’s social security number, citizenship status, credit card or bank information, donations, political party affiliation or anything regarding the 2020 election.
How to identify a U.S. Census Bureau Enumerators
Representatives working for the U.S. Census Bureau, known as enumerators, may be identified by the following: - Representative will be wearing a U.S. Census Bureau shirt, lanyard, and/or carrying a U.S. Census Bureau tote bag
- All representatives will be carrying a badge issued by the U.S. Department of Commerce that will include their name, photo, and a gold chip which resembles the one found on most credit cards.
Despite growing concerns about the public health situation, Durmick urges residents to participate in the Census count and that is still safe to do so using official channels. The census is easier than ever for Nevadans to complete through one of three safe, confidential and quick ways from the comfort of their own homes: online (www.census.nv.gov), via phone (844-330-2020; for Spanish 844-468-2020), or mail in the hard copy questionnaire. This helps keep everyone safe – residents and census workers alike.
Residents may report fraudulent activity by contacting the U.S. Census Bureau regional hotline number at 1-844-330-2020, or by emailing nvcensus2020@gov.nv.gov. Additionally, the Nevada Census website, www.census.nv.gov, contains plenty of accurate information to keep residents informed of the process.