[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "Is%20randomly%20selected%20for%20a%20sensus%20a%20scam%3F"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "No \u2014 hearing \u201cyou were randomly selected\u201d in a census or survey notice isn\u2019t automatic proof of a scam, but it *can* be legitimate *and* something to verify carefully. Here\u2019s how to tell the difference and protect yourself.\n\n---\n\n### \u2705 When \u201cRandomly Selected\u201d *Is* Legit\n\nSeveral official surveys in the U.S. *do* randomly select addresses or households to represent a wider population. A few examples:\n\n- **American Community Survey (ACS):** Each year, about 3.5 million addresses are chosen through scientific sampling. Addresses are randomly selected and represent thousands of other households like yours. ([census.gov](https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/about/top-questions-about-the-survey.html?utm_source=openai))  \n- **American Housing Survey (AHS):** The Census Bureau picks addresses from a list of *all* residential addresses, not individuals. It repeats surveys at the same locations every few years to track changes. ([census.gov](https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/ahs/about/why-am-i-in-a-survey-.html?utm_source=openai))  \n- These random selections are required to get accurate, up-to-date stats used in federal, state, and local decision-making. ([census.gov](https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/about/top-questions-about-the-survey.html?utm_source=openai))  \n\nSo, yes \u2014 there *are* genuine random selections used all the time, especially in ongoing surveys beyond the once-a-decade census.\n\n---\n\n### \u26a0\ufe0f When It\u2019s Likely a Scam\n\nHere are red flags that usually mean a \u201crandomly selected\u201d message is shady:\n\n- Someone asks for your **full Social Security number**, credit card info, bank account details, or passwords. The Census Bureau and other legitimate surveys *will not* ask for those. ([census.gov](https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/surveyhelp/fraudulent-activity-and-scams.html?utm_source=openai))  \n- They demand payment, ask you to buy gift cards, use wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or threaten legal action (fines or jail) for not responding. ([identityguard.com](https://www.identityguard.com/news/census-scams?utm_source=openai))  \n- Contact comes via suspicious email or text with dubious sender addresses (not @census.gov), or suspicious links. ([census.gov](https://www.census.gov/verify?utm_source=openai))  \n- In-person visitors without official ID, or phone calls without proper verification. Legit Census workers carry ID badges, work during standard hours, and contact is clearly explained. ([census.gov](https://www.census.gov/verify?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n### \ud83d\udd0d How to Check If It\u2019s Legit\n\nIf you get something saying you're \u201crandomly selected,\u201d here\u2019s what to do:\n\n1. **Check the sender/contact method.** Letters should come from the Census Bureau\u2019s National Processing Center in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Emails should come from @census.gov. Phone calls should offer verification.\u201d ([census.gov](https://www.census.gov/verify?utm_source=openai))  \n2. **Verify the survey name.** If it\u2019s something like the \u201cAmerican Community Survey,\u201d \u201cAmerican Housing Survey,\u201d etc., you can verify on census.gov. ([snopes.com](https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/american-community-survey-legit/?utm_source=openai))  \n3. **Look for exclusions.** The Census Bureau won\u2019t ask for your full SSN, bank or credit card info, or demand money. ([census.gov](https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/surveyhelp/fraudulent-activity-and-scams.html?utm_source=openai))  \n4. **If someone visits, ask for ID.** Real census employees carry a badge, with a photo and Department of Commerce watermark. You can also check their name and ID number via the Census Bureau\u2019s staff directory. ([legalclarity.org](https://legalclarity.org/how-to-identify-a-census-scam-and-verify-legitimate-contact/?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n### \ud83d\udcdd Bottom Line\n\n- \u201cRandomly selected\u201d *can* definitely be legitimate \u2014 it\u2019s how statistical surveys work.\n- But there *are* scams that misuse the phrase to trick people.\n- Use the verification tips above to tell if what you\u2019ve got is real or fake.\n\nIf you want, I can help you verify a specific notice you got \u2014 we can go through it together."
    }
]