2010 U.S. Census Cautions to avoid Fraud or Identity Theft

[George Puckett]

I trust all are well and in good health. It is that time again, time to be counted for the U.S. Census. As tedious and invasive as some may think this process is, it is actually necessary and needed. For example, depending on the number in your household and those in your immediate and extended community, legislative and congresstional districts are made. If more people of color are in a certain area, the person elected to serve them, might be more reflective of them? Also, funds for school districts, health care, etc, are all determined by who lives where. So please include yourself and family in the Census. However, be on the lookout for - those who might mask themselves as Census workers to take advantage. Please read the info below.

2010 U.S. Census Cautions to avoid Fraud or Identity Theft

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 ver ifying 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:

A· 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.

B· 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.

(Big Thanks to Ebony Phoenix member Pat T from sunny California for passing this on)

This blog copied from Danny White's Ebony Phoenix