BBB Alerts Consumers about U.S. Census Workers
For years, Better Business Bureau has educated consumers about not giving out
personal information over the telephone or to anyone who shows up at their front
door. With the U.S. Census process beginning, 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.
“Most people are rightfully cautious and won’t give out personal information
to unsolicited phone callers or visitors, however the Census is an exception to
the rule,” said Steve Cox, BBB spokesperson. “Unfortunately, scammers know that
the public is more willing to share personal data when taking part in the Census
and they have an opportunity to ply their trade by posing as a government
employee and soliciting sensitive financial information.”
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.
During the U.S. Census, households will be contacted by mail, telephone or
visited by a U.S. Census worker who will inquire about the number of people
living in the house. Unfortunately, people may also be contacted by scammers who
are impersonating Census workers in order to gain access to sensitive financial
information such as Social Security, bank account or credit card numbers. Law
enforcement in several states have issued warnings that scammers are already
posing as Census Bureau employees and knocking on doors asking for donations and
Social Security numbers.
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 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.
For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit www.bbb.org.