This notice came from a municipality in Texas, but it applies across the country:<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/b>2010 Census to Begin Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers by Susan Johnson<\/span><\/u><\/b> <\/span>With the U.S. Census process <\/span>beginning,<\/span><\/b> <\/span><\/b>the Better Business Bureau<\/span> (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft<\/span>. 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 <\/span>than 140,000 U.S. Census <\/span> workers will count every person in <\/span>the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.<\/p>\n The big question is <\/span>– how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:<\/p>\n If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau<\/span> 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 <\/span>know<\/u> into your home. REMEMBER, NO MATTER WHAT THEY<\/span><\/b> <\/span><\/b>ASK, YOU ONLY NEED TO TELL <\/span>THEM HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE AT YOUR ADDRESS. <\/span><\/b> <\/span><\/b>#####<\/span><\/b> Lee Battle, Assistant Director of Planning and Development\/ ____________ Connie S. Schofield Executive Assistant to the City Manager City of Allen 305 Century Parkway Allen, TX 75013 214\/509-4109 214\/509-4118 (fax) www.cityofallen. This notice came from a municipality in Texas, but it applies across the country: 2010 Census to BeginBASIC ADVICE: Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers by Susan Johnson With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises … Continue reading
BASIC ADVICE<\/span><\/b>:<\/span><\/b> <\/span><\/b>
Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not <\/span>give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone,<\/span> even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census.
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While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range<\/span>, YOU DON’T HAVE TO ANSWER ANYTHING AT ALL <\/span>ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION.<\/span> The Census Bureau will not ask<\/span> for <\/span>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<\/span>.
AND REMEMBER, THE CENSUS BUREAU HAS DECIDED NOT TO WORK WITH ACORN<\/span> ON GATHERING THIS INFORMATION. No Acorn worker should approach you <\/span>saying he\/she is with the Census Bureau.<\/span><\/b>
<\/span><\/b>Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home.<\/span> However, the Census Bureau will not<\/span> contact you by Email<\/span>, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census.
Never click on a link or open any attachments<\/span><\/u> in an Email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.
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For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit www.bbb.org<\/span><\/a><\/span>.