TIPS FOR FORTHCOMING 2010 CENSUS - PROCEED WITH CAUTION

There will be a mass mailing of US Census forms to fill out in 2010.  Be CAUTIOUS of what information you give to any Census worker---NO Social Security Number, NO Banking Information or addresses of rentals. (tax returns reflect that information.) and NO SALARY INFO.  With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but prudent, so 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 Census workers will count every person in the US 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?  The 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. And NEVER invite anyone you don't know into your home.


Currently, Census workers are 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 employee solicit donations.




Finally, 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.


FOR MORE INFORMATION OR ADVICE VISIT http://www.bbb.org/