BBB on Census
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. While the Census Bureau might ask for basic
financial information, such as a salary range, it will not ask for
Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers nor will
employees solicit donations.
Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone,
mail, or in person at home. However, they 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.
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. While the Census Bureau might ask for basic
financial information, such as a salary range, it will not ask for
Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers nor will
employees solicit donations.
Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone,
mail, or in person at home. However, they 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.
