[Missouri-l] 2010 Census and sensitive information

[Denny Huff, (MCB - A Great Place To Be)]

From: Center for Independent Living of Broward [mailto:dkuhn at cilbroward.org]
Sent: Wednesday, September 23, 2009 12:50 PM
To: Jaffe, Reid
Subject: [CIL Advocacy] 

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

Important Note

The above information is provided as a service and is not necessarily the
opinion of the Center for Independent Living of Broward, its management,
members, sponsors or clients. If you have questions, concerns or problems
with this e-mail please contact dkuhn at cilbroward.org