Vista Neighborhood Association - WARNING: 2010 Census Cautions from the Better Business Bureau

james writes "Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers by Susan Johnson
With the U.S. Census process beginning, the

2010 Census to Begin

WARNING: 2010 Census Cautions from the Better Business Bureau

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.

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
www.bbb.org <http://www.bbb.org/>

PLEASE SHARE THIS INFO WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS
"