Sam Graves talks about Avoiding Census Fraud

Avoiding Census Fraud

Article 1, Section 2 of our Constitution directs that an enumeration of the people take place every 10 years. The census is used to determine representation and to divide up federal dollars.

Experts tell us that Missouri is on the edge of losing a representative after the 2010 census is completed at the end of this year. Not only would there be one less member of Congress representing Missouri in Washington, but also Missouri’s share of federal dollars would decrease. Missouri needs everyone to be counted in order to get our fair share.

However, there are those who try to take advantage of the confusion surrounding the once a decade count. It’s important to know that all census takers will have an official government badge. You may ask the census worker for a picture ID to confirm their identity. In addition, never under any circumstances will a census worker ask to enter your home, contact you by email, ask for a donation, your social security number or bank account number.

As the 2010 census takes place, you will receive a letter from the Census Bureau Director, notifying you that your household will receive a form in the mail, or a phone call from the Census Bureau, or a visit from a Census Bureau representative.

While it is important that Missouri gets a full and accurate count; it is also important that you do not fall for a scam or fraud. You can find more information about the census online at www.census.gov

Sincerely,

Sam Graves