2010 Census to Begin ---
Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers
by Susan Johnson
With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises
people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or
identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers
have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually,
more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United
States and will gather information about every person living at each address
including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.
The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census
worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:
If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a hand held
device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see
their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However,
you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home.
Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address
information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking
information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census.
REMEMBER, NO MATTER WHAT THEY ASK, YOU REALLY ONLY NEED TO TELL THEM HOW MANY
PEOPLE LIVE AT YOUR ADDRESS.
While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a
salary range, YOU DON'T HAVE TO ANSWER ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL
SITUATION. The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or
credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations. Any one asking for
that information is NOT with the Census Bureau.
AND REMEMBER, THE CENSUS BUREAU HAS DECIDED NOT TO WORK WITH ACORN ON GATHERING
THIS INFORMATION. No Acorn worker should approach you saying he/she is with the
Census Bureau.
Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at
home. However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by Email, so be on the
lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census. Never click on a link or open
any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from the U..S. Census Bureau.
For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit
www.bbb.org

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This page was last updated on
Friday, 29 January 2010 10:27 AM