Use this page to learn about how the U.S. Census Bureau's Trust & Safety Team protected the 2020 Census count by reporting inaccurate, suspicious, and fraudulent information circulating online.

Are responses to business surveys kept confidential?

Yes. The Census Bureau is bound by Title 13 of the U.S. Code to protect your personal information—every answer, to every question—and keep it strictly confidential. Your answers can only be used to create statistics about our country. The law prevents the Census Bureau from sharing information that could identify your business or customers with any local, state, or federal officials.

Will the Census Bureau email me about the American Community Survey?

You may have received an email from the Census Bureau reminding you to complete the American Community Survey. If you started to complete the survey online but still need to finish, you will receive a reminder email to complete your survey online using the given user ID and assigned pin. The Census Bureau will never ask you to provide sensitive personal information, such as your full Social Security number or bank account information.

Email reminders are sent on behalf of the Census Bureau by acso.respond@census.gov.

If you need further verification of confusing or suspicious Census Bureau communication, please contact rumors@census.gov.

Can my answers be shared with CDC or local health officials?

No. The law prevents the Census Bureau from sharing your information with any local, state, or federal health officials. Your answers cannot be used against you by any government agency in any way. Your answers are used only to create statistics about our country. The Census Bureau is bound by Title 13 of the U.S. Code to protect your personal information—every answer, to every question—and keep it strictly confidential.

Can my answers be shared with law enforcement or used against me?

No. The law prevents the Census Bureau from sharing your information with law enforcement or immigration enforcement. Your answers do not affect your eligibility for government benefits—and they cannot be used against you by any government agency or court in any way. Your answers are used only to create statistics about our country. The Census Bureau is bound by Title 13 of the U.S. Code to protect your personal information—every answer, to every question—and keep it strictly confidential.

What information is shared with the public?

After the Census Bureau finishes processing responses to the 2020 Census, we release anonymous population and demographic data for communities, states, and the country as a whole.

Will my answers affect my eligibility for government benefits?

No. Your answers do not affect your eligibility for any government benefits. Similarly, your census responses do not affect your eligibility to vote. The answers you provide are used only to produce statistics.