Sevier Co. woman raises concerns over Census Bureau survey

Sevier Co. woman raises concerns over Census Bureau survey

By DON DARE
6 On Your Side Reporter

SEVIERVILLE (WATE) -- A Sevier County woman called 6 On Your Side to ask if the long survey called the American Community Survey she received from the U.S. Census Bureau is the real thing.

It is authentic, but fewer than three percent of Americans receive it each year.

The census bureau has been sending the survey for several years now.

Protecting your identity from thieves is a priority for everyone. After reading some of the questions in the American Community Survey, a widow who lives alone, Ethel, didn't like the personal direction it was going. (6 On Your Side isn't using her last name.)

She read one question as an example. "What was the monthly condominium fee?"

Ethel added, "How long you've lived here is okay for those questions, but I don't like to divulge my income or any personal questions."

Even though the envelope says it's from the census bureau, Ethel was skeptical.

"They can make things look so real, so formal that you don't know what's real and what isn't anymore. I didn't know if it was real or someone trying to get information for alternative reasons. Rather than it being the government," she explained.

After looking up information about the American Community Survey on the Internet, I explained to her that it's sent randomly each year by the census bureau to a relatively small number of people.

"The census bureau is having trouble convincing people that this survey is okay to fill out," I told her.

"They haven't convinced me," Ethel said.

In March, Carol and Woody King, both retired educators, also spoke with 6 On Your Side about their concerns when they received the long form survey.

The census bureau tells 6 On Your Side it's aware of the initial widespread concern with the survey. The bureau assured us it keeps all the information in the report confidential. In other words, the IRS doesn't get a copy.

If you don't return the survey within 30 days, as in Ethel's case, a second one is sent. It's followed up by a phone call, hoping to convince you to answer the questions and return the form.

"I know that I have to fill it out and send it in, but it's still against my better judgement," Ethel said.

You can be fined for not filling out the American Community Survey. However, there have been no reported cases of people being penalized.

The census surveys for most people take place next year.

If you have a consumer question, call the 6 On Your Side hotline at 865-633-5974.