WARNING: 2010 Census Cautions from the Better Business Bureau

[Patricia M. McBride]

Information found on BBB site at:
http://www.bbb.org/us/article/bbb-alerts-consumers-about-us-census-...

It is very important that everyone knows and understands the questions that can be asked and they type of information that can and can not be gathered during the census. Be wary. Do not ask them into your home. Do be aware there will be many who will use this time to try to use the census to scam or defraud and be sure any information you give is actually being given to a "real" census worker (they should have a badge and documentation proving they work for the census).


Winston Churchill said "For a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket trying to lift himself up by the handle."



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From: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: 1/10/2010 8:33:33 P.M. Eastern Standard Time
Subj: FW: 2010 Census to Begin


Subject: FW: 2010 Census to Beg

Thought you might be interested in this bit of info, D

Subject: 2010 Census to Beg


GOOD INFORMATION TO PASS ON TO EVERYBODY THAT YOU KNOW:

2010 Census to Begin

WARNING: 2010 Census Cautions from the Better Business Bureau
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.

PLEASE SHARE THIS INFO WITH FAMILY, COLLEAGUES, AND FRIENDS.