CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Some think a U.S. Census Bureau mailing looks like junk mail or maybe even a scam, but don't ignore it, because it is a legitimate request.
If residents ignore it, they can get fined thousands of dollars.
The Census Bureau randomly picks people to take the American Community Survey. Many economic developers, city planners and government agencies rely heavily on the information from that survey.
The survey is mandatory, and if you are selected and don't take it, you could face a $5,000 fine.
"Oh, yeah, that's trash mail, yeah," said Marlene Henderson when she saw it.
"It would probably go in the trash, yes," her husband, Eric Henderson, said.
"I'd probably throw it away," Jacob Lytton, another person who saw the mailing, said.
After all, Action 9 is constantly warning viewers to be careful of mailings and scammers posing as government officials to trick you out of your money or personal information.
Action 9 asked census officials whether it is concerned people may disregard the survey, thinking it is a sales pitch or a phishing scam.
"We appreciate your feedback on this,” spokesman Michael Cook told Action 9. “The materials we use are the result of testing that we’ve conducted in the past. However, this testing is ongoing and we’re constantly working to refine and improve how the public perceives what we’re sending to them."
The survey has a 97 percent response rate.
His story airs on Eyewitness News at 5 p.m.
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