Solicitors, peddlers, and canvassers
US Census takers visit homes April through July 2010
Between April and July 2010, US Census takers will be in Minnetonka neighborhoods to collect data from residents who have not returned their census information. While Census takers conduct legitimate business, there may be people attempting to impersonate a Census taker in an effort to steal personal information. Residents are encouraged to immediately call 911 to report suspicious activity and violations of Minnetonka’s solicitor ordinance.
The following tips can help you identify an official US Census taker:
- Official US Census takers must present a Census Bureau photo ID badge, which displays a Department of Commerce watermark and expiration date.
- Upon request, the US Census taker will provide a letter from the director of the Census Bureau on US Census Bureau letterhead, and will provide supervisor contact information and/or the regional office phone number.
- US Census takers may be carrying a laptop computer and/or bag with a Census Bureau logo.
- US Census takers may be driving personal vehicles, which will not have any official insignias or markings.
Learn more about census takers.
In addition, the Census Bureau or an official US Census taker will never do the following:
- Ask for your Social Security number,
- Ask for money or a donation, or request PIN codes, passwords or banking information.
- Conduct the Census via the internet or send emails asking for Census information.
Learn more about what to do when a census taker visits you.
Residents are encouraged to immediately call 911 to report suspicious activity and violations of Minnetonka’s solicitor ordinance. For a complete list of authorized solicitors/peddlers/canvassers, please see the link below.
Solicitors, peddlers, and canvassers are allowed in Minnetonka.
For-profit sale of products or services requires a license from the city. Only licensed peddlers and solicitors will have a photo ID issued by the city. The city does not endorse any specific product or service by the issuing of this license.
Charitable organizations conducting door-to-door sales or solicitations do not need a license, unless they pay their solicitors. However, the city does request that charitable organizations register.
Every resident and business has the right to prohibit peddlers and solicitors from their property. If you post a sign on your home or business that prohibits solicitors, they are not permitted to approach your property.
If you have a complaint about a door-to-door salesperson or soliciting party, immediately contact the Minnetonka Police Department at 952.939.8500.
- Procedures and checklist for for profit peddlers, solicitors and canvassers license
- Application (PDF)
- Updated Jul. 21, 2008
- Procedures and checklist for non-profit peddlers, solicitors and canvassers license
- Application (PDF)
- Updated Jun. 25, 2009
- Solicitor, peddler, and canvasser notification
- List of currently licensed solicitors, peddlers, and canvassers (PDF)
- Updated Aug. 27, 2010
