The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office said the current U.S. Census survey is "a massive opportunity for thieves and scam artists to prey upon vulnerable citizens, especially the elderly."

G.A. Bennett said, "Such was the case last week when three Blount County residents, one who earlier represented himself as a census employee, invaded a Red Bank couple’s home and beat them before stealing money and various items. The three were caught with the help a city traffic camera which identified the car and license plate number. The trio was apprehended and charged with especially aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping and theft over $1,000.

"In the Census Bureau’s effort to accurately count the population, census temporary field staff will be working in our neighborhoods through late August to deliver questionnaires and collect information from those who have received but not returned their Census questionnaire. The Census Bureau will not contact you by e-mail, so be on the lookout for e-mail scams impersonating any Census Bureau representative.

"We expect local law enforcement agencies to receive an abnormally high amount of calls from residents about strangers in their neighborhoods because of the census. We feel it’s better – and safer for you – to call about anyone in your area who cannot be readily identified. Officers never mind checking or answering questions from residents about anyone presenting themselves as either temporary decennial employees or permanent field representatives.

"All census employees can be identified through identification cards issued by the Census Bureau. Each temporary employee will have an official identification card with the employee’s signature and expiration date which must be displayed at all times. Regional level employees’ cards will also include a photograph. Census workers also will be carrying a badge, a Census Bureau canvas bag and a confidentiality notice. Always ask to see their identification card and their badge.

"No legitimate census employees will ask for 'any' financial data (other than your salary range) and never solicit donations. If they do ask for this type of information or donations, do not give it to them; contact your local law enforcement as soon as possible. Also, try to get a good personal description of the person as well as their vehicle and license plate number, if possible. Cell phone cameras come in very handy for this.

"Once again, it’s important that our residents do not feel intimidated or embarrassed to call law enforcement if they are unsure about someone in their neighborhood. Believe me, we would rather have them make the call and be safe than not call and risk being physically harmed or becoming the victim of fraud, identity theft, robbery or worse."