[MR] Census Worker At Your Door

[Geffrei Maudelyene]

Combined from AARP, Better Business Bureau, and federal government sites. 

 

 

Q. I read recently that the 2010 census is under way. When someone claiming
to be a census worker knocks on my door, how can I be sure that he or she is
legitimate? 

A. First, ask to see a photo ID and a badge that shows that the person
represents the U.S. Census Bureau. The worker will also have a hand-held
device that is used to take your information, a canvas census bag and a
confidentiality notice.

Census workers will not ask for your Social Security number or for
information about your bank accounts or credit cards. The Better Business
Bureau advises you not to invite the worker, or anyone you don't know, into
your home. To protect against identity theft, the BBB also warns you never
to give out personal or financial information to anyone who shows up at your
door.

 

If you don't send back your form, you may receive a visit from a census
taker. If a census taker visits you, here's what you should do: 

*	First ask to see their ID. All census workers carry official
government badges marked with just their name; they may also have a "U.S.
Census Bureau" bag
*	Note that the census taker will never ask to enter your home
*	If you're still not certain about their identity, please call the
Regional Census Centers
<http://2010.census.gov/2010census/contact/index.php>
http://2010.census.gov/2010census/contact/index.php to confirm they are
employed by the Census Bureau
*	Answer the census form questions for your entire household (you must
be at least 15 years old to answer questions) so that the census taker can
record the results for submission to the Census Bureau

Census takers visit local homes several times to capture resident
information for the 2010 Census. If you prefer, you can schedule a visit
with your census taker. Should the census taker come when you are away from
your home, they will leave a contact number. If a census taker has not
visited your home or you have a question about your participation with the
census, call your Census office
<http://2010.census.gov/2010census/contact/index.php> .

 

 

Geffrei