They’re here…The unscrupulous, the scammers, the schemers and the like. And, while we haven’t documented this happening to our friends and families quite yet, you can be sure the days are numbered.
If you haven’t heard, the 2010 U.S. Census is beginning. And, while you should be cooperative, be cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. Do you remember the “stimulus refund” scams? Phishing scams went through the roof. There’s no doubt that the Census will entice scammers out and into our in-boxes and neighborhoods.
In the first phase of the Census, workers are verifying household addresses. Letters via the U.S. Mail, phone calls and personal visits will all be employed to collect Census survey data. No Census information will be collected via email or the Internet. Again, please do not be fooled, according to
www.census.gov, “The Census Bureau does NOT conduct the 2010 Census via email or the Internet.”
In most cases, we are required by law to comply with the survey. I found it curious; however, that those surveys we are not required to answer, only omit the phrase “YOUR RESPONSE IS REQUIRED BY LAW” rather than tell us outright that our responses are voluntary.
You can steer clear of U.S. Census Bureau Scams by following these BBB tips:
• 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. Census workers will not ask for banking and financial information nor will they 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.
To verify the person who has visited or called you is in fact a Census employee, you can call 866-226-2864. Should you have any questions about the survey you are asked to complete, Maryland is serviced by the Philadelphia Regional Office. You can contact them at 800-262-4236. If you do suspect foul play, you can report fraud to the U.S. Census Bureau at
www.census.gov . Talk soon, Angie.
