WARNING: 2010 Census Cautions from the Better Business Bureau

WARNING: 2010 Census Cautions from the Better Business Bureau

Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers

With the U.S. Census process beginning, theBetter Business Bureau (BBBadvises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim offraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under wayas workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country.Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person inthe United States and will gather information aboutevery person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, andother 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 LIVEAT 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 YOURFINANCES. The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security,bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicitdonations. Any one asking for that information is NOT with the CensusBureau.
Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail or in person at home. However, theCensus Bureau will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Emailscams impersonating the Census.
Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from the U.S. CensusBureau.