2010 U S Census Info
The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is underway. Unfortunately, thieves and scammers are using the opportunity to ply their illegal trade. Law enforcement is already reporting incidents of these thieves and scammers impersonating census workers to gather personal information and social security information. People who divulge this information to these thieves and scammers are then at risk of becoming victims of theft and identity theft. To minimize your risk please read the following:
1. If
a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, he/she will display a badge, a Census
Bureau canvas bag and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification
badge/tag before answering their questions. However, never invite anyone
you don’t know into your home unless you called them for services (law
enforcement,
2. 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. While the Census Bureau employees might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, they will not ask for social security, bank account or credit card numbers nor will employees solicit donations.
3. Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail or in person at home. However, they will not contact you by e-mail, so be on the look out 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.
A very good link to get further information, and see a picture of a valid Census Worker identification badge is: http://www.chathamnc.org/Index.aspx?page=1190
This site also contains
information on how to avoid having a Census Worker visit your home! (Fill out
the questionnaire you will receive in the mail in March completely and mail it
by
Additional Links:
http://2010.census.gov/2010census/index.php
http://www.californiacompletecount.org/home
