Foster Votes To Prevent Misleading Census Look-Alike Mailings

Press Release

Today, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-14) voted to pass a bill designed to prevent mail scams that are designed to look like official Census documents. The legislation passed by an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 416-0.

"Last year, a constituent brought a Census mailing scheme to my attention, and I alerted area seniors to be careful of these misleading mailings, which asked for financial contributions," said Foster. "Unfortunately, scams like this are nothing new, but it is my hope that this legislation will help consumers identify the difference between official U.S. Census Bureau documents and misleading mailings."

In May of 2009, Foster warned area seniors to avoid falling victim to a direct mail campaign, which asked seniors to fill out a survey and provide their credit card information for donations. The mailing could lead seniors to believe that it comes from the U.S. Census Bureau, but in fact, the mailing was sent from an organization that is not affiliated with the government or the Census Bureau.

The legislation, H.R.4621, the Prevent Deceptive Census Look-Alike Mailings Act, would require any mailing with an envelope marked "Census" to clearly indicate the sender and return address. It would also trigger an existing requirement in federal law to include a disclaimer that the mailing is not from, or affiliated with, the federal government. The bill would not prohibit the use of the word "Census" on a mailing, but the mailer must make clear that it is not sent by the United States Census.

Citizens do not have to fill out a third-party survey and pay a fee to have their views heard by the federal government. If constituents have questions on this or any other Federal matter, they may call the Congressman toll free at 1-866-324-6128.

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