2010 Census to Begin- Please be Cautious!

WARNING: 2010 Census Cautions from the Better Business Bureau

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, soas 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 begunverifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count everyperson 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 followingadvice:** If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and aconfidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should neverinvite 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 ATYOUR ADDRESS. While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, YOU DON'THAVE TO ANSWER ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION. The Census Bureau will not ask for SocialSecurity, bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations. Any one asking for that information is NOTwith the Census Bureau.AND REMEMBER, THE CENSUS BUREAU HAS DECIDED NOT TO WORK WITH ACORN ON GATHERING THISINFORMATION. 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 notcontact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census. Never click on a link or open anyattachments in an Email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.