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Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers

Reblogger Jason Simonson
Real Estate Broker/Owner

Original content by Larry Bettag NMLS ID# 158606

With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cautious.  The major concern is that individuals don't 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, cre dit 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, the Census Bureau 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, the Census Bureau 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 http://www.bbb.org/.

Larry Bettag - Regional Vice President, Midwest Region

Illinois FHA Specialist

630-417-7172

 Cherry Creek Mortgage Company - Saint Charles, Illinois 

               Equal Housing Logo

An Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee

 

Lewis Beynon
CENTURY 21 Triangle Group - Raleigh, NC
Lew B Realty

OMG, absolutely a great post Jason!!!!

Nov 20, 2009 03:01 AM