With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau 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 the 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? 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. However, you should never invite anyone you don’t know into your home.

 

2010 Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address

information. A legitimate Census worker will not ask for your Social Security

Number, credit card, banking information; nor will they solicit for donations.

Anyone asking for that information IS NOT with the Census Bureau.

 

REMEMBER, NO MATTER WHAT THEY ASK, YOU ONLY NEED TO TELL THEM

HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE AT YOUR ADDRESS.

 

Please note: The Census Bureau has decided not to work again 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 e-mail, so be on the lookout for e-mail scams impersonating the Census. Never click on a link or open any attachments in an e-mail that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.

 

Please share this information with your family, friends, and co-workers.