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Warnings from Census Bureau
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Lee Ann Riesen
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Oct 22, 2009 06:49 PDT
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----- Original Message -----
From: Bambi Folk Secretary for Dist. 4 Coalition <mailto:d-4-@comcast.net>
Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers by Susan Johnson
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
_______________________________________________
Members mailing list
Memb-@noreste.org
http://noreste.org/mailman/listinfo/members_noreste.org
----- End forwarded message -----
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Lee Ann Riesen, laf-@swcp.com
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