[StBernard] PROTECTING YOURSELF: 2010 CENSUS

[Westley Annis]

PROTECTING YOURSELF: 2010 CENSUS  	
Body	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 </ span>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
http://www.bbb.org/
 
      PLEASE SHARE THIS INFO WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS.