Beware of census scams
By Connie ThompsonIf it's in the news, you can bet con artists are figuring out how to cash in -- Haiti relief, IRS refunds, and now the 2010 Census. MultimediaIn the next few weeks, we'll all be getting legitimate surveys from the U.S. Census Bureau, but bogus e-mails are turning up right now from people posing as census takers When in doubt about the census, log on to the U.S. Census Bureau Web site. Surveys will be mailed next month to every household in the country. The survey you get in the mail will ask your name, age and gender, how many people live in your home and whether you own or rent. You'll be asked for your phone number in case there are follow up questions, and you'll be asked about your racial background. There are only 10 questions. The census bureau stresses that all responses will be kept under the highest security available. Just make sure you're not dealing with a scammer. Do not answer any census surveys over the Internet. Those are fake. Do not answer any census questions by e-mail. The census bureau will not contact you over the Internet. Ignore all requests for money linked to the census. And never give your social security number. Social security Numbers are not part of the survey. Don't give out any passwords, no personal identification numbers, no credit card information and no financial information. The official census bureau Web site has a variety of informational videos, including a sample of all the questions and everything you need to know in nearly 70 different languages. If a census worker knocks on your door they will have a badge, a census bureau canvas bag and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering any questions. Never invite a Census worker into your home. For more information: |
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February 9, 2012
- Roseburg, Oregon
