AARP is warning residents to be aware of some 2020 census-related phone and email scams.
A new AARP study found 47% of adults have been targeted by imposter scams in the past. Of those surveyed, 70% were incorrect or unsure of how they would be contacted for the upcoming census.
Thirty-five percent said they expect to be asked or were unsure if they would be asked for their Social Security numbers.
The Federal Trade Commissions says it received 3.2 million fraud reports last year, a rise from 2018. Among the top categories were impostor scams.
AARP says to make sure census workers have a valid photo ID if one knocks on your door. They say the U.S. Census never calls, emails or asks for financial information.
"They should not be asking you for personal information like Social Security number or bank and credit card information. They should be not asking for money or donations," says Bernard Macias, of AARP New York.
Some census workers may visit homes this spring and do in-person interviews. They can be validated through a phone number or online.
The census will be mailed to all U.S. households next month.