Are census follow ups required by law?

Question

We filled out the census survey with the only exception being that we elected not to put our family's race (for political reasons). We wrote in a box labeled "american" and checked that box.

Then another census was sent to our house. We filled that one out exactly the same way as the one before.

Then a cencus representative came to our house. We explained that we filled out 2 copies of the census, but we still answered all his questions (a little irritated at that point).

Then, yesterday, we got a call on our new cell phone number (not sure how they got this number) and they were asking us all the same census questions. We promptly asked why we were receiving this call considering we have done 3 cencus 3 times (twice by mail, and once by the representative that came to our door). The woman explained this was a cencus follow-up call. She then continued to say that 8 million households were chosen at random to do a census follow-up. We were very skeptical about giving away personal information over the phone (this lady could have been a scammer), so we asked her to give us some kind of proof. She then provided us a phone number to call and verify her position within the US census bureau. But how do we even know that the number she gave us isn't a scam? We refused to provide any information over the phone. She quickly informed us that it is required by law to take the census follow-up. If we refused to comply the next time she called we could be fined. 

Any advice on the legitimacy of her claim (that this follow-up in required by law)? If it is required by law, is there any way to not provide info over the phone?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

You were right.  It was a scam.  They don't do phone follow-ups, at all.  they also don't ask you any more personal questions than could be gotten from someone looking at you.

You are required to fill out a census, which you did, so you're covered.

tonalc2 · Answer

Yes, follow ups are required by law, and it's a violation of the law not to answer all the questions. I'm not aware of the Census Department ever actually following through on fining someone the $100, though. 

I think you are smart not to deal with it on the phone, as there have been some scams, but be prepared for another visit.

? · Answer

this question has been bouncing around right here for slightly, now. the only element you're required to answer -- in accordance to u.s. shape -- is the style of folk on your place. some human beings have presented a link to the census internet site which states which you're requred to answer each and every question. it quite is not precise. The shape is the suited legal authority contained in u.s.. to cite it immediately, "the easily enumeration would be made interior of 3 years after the 1st assembly of the Congress of u.s., and interior of each and every next term of ten years, in such way because of the fact the shall direct by skill of regulation." you will observe that the founders are employing "way" as a noun in that sentence, and as a noun, "way" is defined as, "considered one of those technique or way of performing." In different phrases, they are able to count selection you, and how they count selection you - the type - is the only element Congress can substitute. No statute can substitute that, and actually no government administration can substitute that, the two. examine the different solutions with reference to the U. S. Code...take in them...then examine the form being conscious that it quite is the suited regulation of the land, and no code can EVER substitute that.

WRG · Answer

It could be legit. Sounds like something they would do to. And the same laws that require that you answer are in place for any follow ups.

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Are census follow ups required by law?

4 Answers