With the 2010 Census just around the corner, it is important for household members to cooperate with legitimate census workers, but to be cautious of scammers. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are specific things to be aware of during the census-taking process. Consider this information.
• Census forms will be mailed or delivered to households in March 2010. April 1 is National Census Day when forms should be mailed back. From April through July, census takers will visit households that did not return their census forms by mail.
• All census workers who visit households will have a badge, a handheld device or computer to enter data, an official Census Bureau canvas bag and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see an ID badge if it isn’t visible.
• A census taker will never ask to enter your home. 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.
• The Census Bureau does not conduct the census via e-mail or the Internet. Census employees only contact citizens through personal visits or phone calls. Never click on a link or open an e-mail attachment that claims to be from the U.S. Census Bureau. It is important not to provide personal details to anyone through e-mail. If you received a request for information via e-mail regarding the census, report it to the Census Fraud Department at itso.fraud.reporting@census.gov and delete the message. If the message contains an attachment, do not open it.
• Employees of the U.S Census Department can never ask for money or tell you that you owe money to the government, even if you do.
• Employees of the U.S Census Department are specifically instructed to be polite with each person they contact. If you come across an official who is aggressive or tries to intimidate or coax you, you have the right to refuse to give information and are advised to report the matter to the Census Bureau Call Center at 1-800-923-8282.
• For additional information on the census-taking process, visit www.census.gov.
By: Amanda Horrocks - Jan. 7, 2010