National News

Risk Alert from the Better Business Bureau (BBB)- Be Cautious About Giving Information to Census Workers

With the U.S. Census process beginning, the (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?

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.

The BBB offers the following advice and information:

• Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions.

• Do not 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 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 do not need to answer anything 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.

Eventually, Census workers may contact people by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, the Census Bureau will not make contact 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.