Non-Official Survey Makes It Way To Homes Across Montgomery County

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — Officials are warning residents to be on the lookout for what appears to be an illegitimate survey being circulated around local communities.

A document titled "Montgomery County Opinion Survey" has apparently made its way to mailboxes and homes across the county, although officials are saying it appears the document is originating from an entity not connected with the county.

The survey has been reported on social media and by local police agencies.

"Be advised Montgomery County was never consulted about this survey and the survey is not connected with the Montgomery County Government," Montgomery County posted to its official Facebook page.

Montgomery County residents have stated on social media that they received the survey document in the mail but simply threw it away, worried that it appeared unofficial.

The county says that the survey was sent by a company called Sequoia Research LLC.

Some people posting on social media questioned how the LLC got individuals' names and addresses and raised concerns over things like potential identity theft.

Others noted on the Better Business Bureau's website that the company behind the mailers appears to be some sort of data collection agency.

Still others pointed out that research into the company's apparent address actually led to a Staples store.

Some survey recipients have posted that opinion questions surrounded topics like gun control and substance abuse.

Residents were told to be vigilant in this and other cases that involve documentation that appears to look legitimate but that is actually not tied to any local government, and instead made to look like official mail.

Patch reached out to Kelly Cofransisco, with the county's communications department, who reiterated that the county was never consulted about the survey and that it is in no way connected with county government.

Cofransisco said if residents have questions or concerns, they should reach out directly to Sequoia.

She provided a link to an online version of the survey, which can be found here.