A Neighborhood Watch has reported the following:
Some neighbors, have come across a few “young people” claiming to sell books, resources, etc. & are a bit pushy and want too much information regarding our children & household & neighbors!
Also, a couple of other families have reported that the “Census Bureau” has sent people to their doors asking personal questions too—-When they have called to verify that these people are for real, they have been told they are not!
When situations like the first one happens a person needs to find out what organization that person represents and register a complaint to the City Clerk at 712-328-4616. The clerk will contact the person who took out the sellers permit.
If the second situation occurs if you don’t believe the person is with the Census Bureau or whatever business or organization they say they are with, call the police. The following information is off the Census Bureau web site.
How to Identify a Census Field Representative
If you are visited by someone from the United States Census Bureau, here are some RECOGNITION TIPS to assure the validity of the field representative;
· Must present an ID Badge which contains: photograph of field representative, Department of Commerce watermark, and expiration date.
· Will provide you with supervisor contact information and/or the regional office phone number for verification, if asked.
· Will provide you with a letter from the director of the Census Bureau on U.S. Census Bureau letterhead.
· May be carrying a laptop and/or bag with a Census Bureau logo.
When in doubt, please call the Chicago Regional Office for verification at 1-800-865-6384. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Central Daylight Time
In any case do not let these people into your home, it’s not that all sellers are bad people but to ensure your safety this is the best policy.
Officer Mark G. Alba
