2010 Census to Begin - Important!!
Already there are reports of con artists and email fraud again people using the 2010 Census to get personal information. Please read the safety tips below and share them with your family and friends.
Good tips on identity safety.
2010 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 county. 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
ANYTHINGAT 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.
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.
For more advice on avoiding identity theft
and fraud, visit www.bbb.org
