Indiana Attorney General to Senior Citizens: Don’t Fall for Census Mailer

August 22, 2007 -- INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter is alerting senior citizens to beware of a direct mail solicitation from the “CENSUS OF SENIOR CITIZENS” requesting that recipients fill out a survey and provide their credit card information for “donations”. The mailing may trick seniors into thinking it comes from the U.S. Census Bureau but in reality the solicitation may be nothing more than a scam to obtain recipient’s credit card information.

“This mailer is devious because some people may mistakenly think it’s an official survey from the federal government,” Attorney General Steve Carter said. “Our senior population is particularly vulnerable to these types of solicitations because they take their civic duty seriously and might be less likely to question it.”

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The mailer purports to be from the “The Council of Seniors” and is titled, 2007 Census of Senior Citizens. It tells the recipient “you have been selected as a representative of your voting district to take part in the official CENSUS OF SENIOR CITIZENS”.

It claims that the survey “will make it crystal clear to our leaders in Washington what our priorities are” and “it’s the best way to build a strong and united agenda that accurately represents the views of Senior Citizens across America.”

The “census” asks recipient’s opinions on hot button issues such as health care, immigration, and taxes. It requests that they make a donation to “The Council of Seniors” by sending a check or providing their credit card number. It also asks for reimbursement for printing and mailing costs even if recipients choose not to participate.

“Senior’s might think that by participating in the ‘census’ they will make an impact on national policies,” Carter added. “In reality all they may be left with is a financial headache.”

Senior citizens who would like to express their political opinions should contact their state and federal representatives directly.

Source: Indiana Attorney General