2010 Census: Be Cautious

I was reading this article avbout the Census starting up and I have the upmost respect for the Census workers. My mom did it for a year and she worked so hard and did a lot of walking but there were a few facts in here that I was not aware of so I copied the article for all of you to read about what to give a Census worker and what NOT to give them.

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
• a confidentiality notice.
  

Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions.

• Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information.

However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home.

Do not give your:

•  Social Security number
• your credit card
• banking information to anyone

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, 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. Anyone asking for that information is NOT 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.

REMEMBER, NO MATTER WHAT THEY ASK, YOU REALLY ONLY NEED TO TELL THEM HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE AT YOUR ADDRESS. PLEASE SHARE THIS INFO WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS.