[Cabs-talk] a little off topic, but important info

[Bruce Sexton Jr.]

2010 Census Cautions



Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers 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 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 .  While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial

information, such as a 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. However, they 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

www.bbb.org

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http://www.bbb.org/

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http://www.bbb.org/ .