WARNING: 2010 Census Cautions

WARNING: 2010 Census Cautions

WARNING: 2010 Census Cautions from the Better Business Bureau
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. For more advice on avoiding identity
theft and fraud, visit www.bbb.org
Look under census scam.

PLEASE SHARE THIS INFO WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS. YOU MAY SAVE THEIR
IDENTITY!!