Beware the census bureau scam

WARNING: 2010 Census - Cautions from the Better Business Bureau



Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers

-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
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 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.