2010 Census Scams

[MasterWolf1]

Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers


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 handheld 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 any one, even if they claim they need it
for the U.S. Census.  While the Census Bureau might ask for basic
financial information, such as a salary range, it will not ask for
Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers nor will
employees solicit donations.


Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in
person at home. However, they will not contact you by Email, so be on
the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census Bureau.
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.