Careful of scams during Census time

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For years, the Better Business Bureau has educated consumers about not giving out personal information over the telephone or to anyone who shows up at your front door. As the 2010 U.S. Census process begins, BBB advises you to cooperate carefully so you do not become the victim of a scam.

The U.S. Census is an important process conducted every 10 years. On April 6, the first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census began with 140,000 workers verifying addresses of every household in the country.

Over the next 18 months, 1.4 million U.S. Census workers will survey the population of the United States to gather important demographic information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, ethnic origin, birth date, marital status, employment status and other relevant data.

U.S. citizens are required by law to respond to the U.S. Census Bureau’s requests for information. Census data will be used to allocate more than $300 billion in federal funds every year and is used to determine a State’s number of Congressional representatives.

During the Census, you may receive a letter, telephone call or visit from a U.S. Census worker who will inquire about people living in your household. Unfortunately, you may also be contacted by scammers impersonating Census workers so they can get access to your banking and financial information.

Law enforcement officials in several states have issued warnings that scammers are already posing as Census employees, asking for donations and Social Security numbers.

“Most people are cautious and will not give out personal information to unsolicited phone callers or visitors, but the Census is an exception to the rule,” said Kim States, BBB President. “Scammers know that the public is more willing to share personal data when taking part in the Census and so they take advantage of this opportunity by posing as government workers to get access to your financial information.”

A little advice

The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist?

BBB has this advice:

U.S. Census workers will have identification, a handheld device and a confidentiality notice. If a Census worker knocks on your door, ask to see their identification before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don’t know into your home.

U.S. Census workers will not ask you for your social security number or your banking and financial information. Do not ever give your social security number, credit card or banking information to anyone who contacts you, even if they say it is for the Census.

U.S. Census workers will not ask you for money or tell you that you owe money. They will not harass you or intimidate you into paying money or giving them your social security number.

U.S. Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail or in person at home. However, they will not contact you by email, so be vigilant about email scams impersonating the Census.

If you’re unsure whether or not you’re the target of a Census-related scam, contact your BBB at 520-888-5353.