[Karen83]

A census worker knocked on our door this morning and began asking questions about our snowbird neighbors across the street who, of course, are gone for the summer. When we told him that we do not offer any information concerning our neighbors, he became indignant and showed us his badge stating that he was "from the government"! By the way, it was a legitimate badge.

He then wanted our phone number to give to his superiors so they could call us to get more information. When we informed him that they would get the same answer from us, he was dumbfounded. He then kept asking us over and over if we thought any of our other neighbors would be helpful!

He said he didn't knock on one of the doors because there was a "Beware of the Dog" sign in the window. ( they have a 7lb dog!) I'm thinking we need to get one of those signs!

Anyway, I hope that neighbors are not giving out information concerning others to anybody!!

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Karen83

A census worker knocked on our door this morning and began asking questions about our snowbird neighbors across the street who, of course, are gone for the summer. When we told him that we do not offer any information concerning our neighbors, he became indignant and showed us his badge stating that he was "from the government"! By the way, it was a legitimate badge.

Karen, I think you absolutely did the right thing. Good for you! As a seasonal resident, I wouldn't want my neighbours volunteering information on my behalf.

I find it bizarre that the "government" would want to rely on second-hand information.

[BobKat1]

I would think that census worker would encounter A LOT of this at this time of the year in TV.

[swrinfla]

I seriously question whether the caller really was a Census worker. I doubt the validity of the badge.

But, you did RIGHT that's for sure!

SWR

[dfn8tly]

I was in charge of a special census up north before I moved to TV. If one of my agents had behaved in such a manner I would have removed him/her from duty immediately. It is the responsibility of the census worker to obtain enough information to determine if each home is occupied. If it is determined that the necessary information cannot be obtained directly from the owner there is a way to specify that on the census form. The worker was out of order and should have reported to his superior that the owners would probably be counted at their primary residence.

[Karen83]

Actually SWR, I would hope that this guy was not a legitimate Census Worker, because it doesn't say much for the validity of their work. He was an older gentleman, even for The Villages, and my husband and I both think he, his badge and his paper work were the real deal.

[cybrgeezer]

You say this happened today and this is July 3.

According to a U.S. Labor Statistics news release I read yesterday, all door-to-door Census workers (and many of those in office jobs) finished their jobs no later than June 30, which was Wednesday.

Sounds like he was either a phony or someone who hadn't turned in his badge yet and wanted information for some other use.

You were right to be suspicious.

[chacam]

Same thing happened today to me regarding the house across the street which is owned by seasonal residents. I sent in the questionaire for this house with all pertinent info a long time ago and told the worker that. They got nothing from me today.

[golf2140]

Originally Posted by chacam

Same thing happened today to me regarding the house across the street which is owned by seasonal residents. I sent in the questionaire for this house with all pertinent info a long time ago and told the worker that. They got nothing from me today.

Are they still out and about. WE still haven't been counted. When I called I was told that they were closing the office to call a number in Georgia. Another governmental mess.