BBB Alert - Census Bureau scams; don't fall prey to identity thieves

Note: It might be a good idea to print and post this info near your door and/or phone so that all your family members know what to expect from actual census takers

BBB press release

Don’t Get Caught in Census Bureau Cons

For years, your Better Business Bureau has urged consumers not to give personal information to anyone they do not know. However, the 2010 Census process is now collecting information so we are advising the public to be cooperative, but cautious, in order not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft.

In April, U.S. Census workers began verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 Census representatives will count each person in the United States. They will gather information about every person living at every address including name, age, gender, race and other relevant data.

Most people know not to give out personal information to unsolicited phone callers or visitors. However, the Census process is an exception to the rule, because representatives do collect information by visiting households. Unfortunately, people may also be contacted by scammers who are using this as an opportunity to impersonate Census workers in order to gain access to sensitive financial information such as Social Security, bank account or credit card numbers.

Although law enforcement in several states have issued warnings that scammers are posing as Census Bureau representatives, your BBB encourages caution.

The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? Your 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. Remember, 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. While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as salary range, it will not ask for Social Security, bank account or credit card numbers nor will employees solicit donations.
• Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail or in person at home. 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.

The Census data will be used to allocate more than $300 billion in federal funds every year, as well as determine a state’s number of Congressional representatives. Households are actually required by law to respond to the Census Bureau’s request for information.