THIS IS PRETTY BASIC ADVICE: 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 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.
