BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- A viewer called 23ABC concerned she may be the victim of a census scam.

She said someone who claimed to be a United States Census Bureau survey representative was knocking on her door several nights in a row after 7 p.m. asking to her to take a census survey.

She thought it was odd, considering the census was taken in 2010.

She said the representative asked for her Social Security number and threatened to slap her with a $100 fine if she would not participate in the survey.

23ABC contacted the U.S. Census bureau to find out if the man was a legitimate survey taker and found out that he was.

James Christy from the U.S. Census Bureau said census surveys are taken year-round every year for different categories.

Census survey representatives are part-time employees possibly with other jobs during the day, which can explain why they conduct surveys at night.

There is one survey that comes with a fine for failing to comply.

However, the U.S. Census Bureau never asks for personal information like Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, or driver's license numbers.

If you are visited by someone from the U.S. Census Bureau, here are some tips to see if they are a valid representative:

-They must present an ID badge with photo, expiration date, and Department of Commerce watermark. - They must provide you with a supervisor contact information or regional office phone number for you to call and verify. - They may be carrying a laptop or bag with census bureau logo

You can also call the U.S. Census Bureau for verification at 1-800 992-3530.