Rules of thumb for the 2010 U.S. Census
Every 10 years the U.S. Census Bureau performs a national census. This census is important as it tells the federal government what resources to allocate to each area of the country based on population and more. With the Census process beginning, the BBB offers some important advice on how to avoid getting scammed by those fraudulent people looking to take advantage of consumers by posing as Census agents.
Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the U.S. The big question is – how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist?
U.S. Census workers have a badge, a handheld device, and a Census Bureau canvas bag. Ask to see their identification badge before answering any questions. As a safety precaution, never invite anyone you don’t know into your home. Currently, Census workers are only knocking on doors to verify address information, so if you are asked for any information outside of the address, decline to answer. The Census bureau has decided not to work with ACORN, so do not provide any information to any ACORN workers claiming to represent the Census Bureau.
The U.S. Census Bureau (USCB) will be sending out packets in the mail to verify information on name, genera, age, race, ethnicity, relationship, and whether you own or rent. If you provide your answers via mail as requested, you will be through. However, if not, then the USCB will begin going door to door between April and July to obtain this information. Every household will be part of the census.
What the USCB does NOT ask:
- Will never ask for your Social Security Number.
- Will never ask for your banking information.
- Will never ask for credit card information.
- Will never ask for donations to any charities or organizations
- Will NEVER CONTACT YOU BY EMAIL.
Email scams are the easiest to fall victim to. The USCB does not operate via email, so do not answer any questions via email.
For more information about 2010 Census, visit http://www.2010census.gov