Common Census

2010 Census to Begin

THIS IS PRETTY BASIC ADVICE;

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 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.