You probably know the census drill by now: you fill out and mail back the form or someone calls on you at your home (at least if you repeatedly ignore requests for written information) to ask you questions about yourself and your family. But do you know where to draw the line in answering their questions?

It's important that you do, because scam artists aren't going to miss an opportunity to enrich themselves at your expense.

So if you're asked such questions as your name, age, gender, race, ethnic origin, marital status, whether you have a second home, for example, it's okay to give them that information. In fact, you must do it.

A certain number of people will also be asked for more detailed information. But if you're asked for personal information such as your Social Security, bank account, or credit card number, beware. Also don't accept any request for or claim that you owe money.

Finally, though the census office may communicate with you by email, they will not ask you for information or ask you to click a link or open an attachment. In person, they will carry official identification and a confidentiality notice; they won't come into your home, though.

If you're worried about becoming a census scammer's victim, remember that your easiest and most reliable means of avoiding a scam is simply to complete and return the form promptly.