For years, the Better Business Bureau has educated consumers about not giving out personal information over the phone or to anyone who shows up at their front door. With the U.S. Census process beginning, you should be cooperative, but cautious, to avoid being a victim of fraud or identity theft.
How can you tell the difference between a Census worker and a con artist?
First, a real Census worker will have ID, a badge and a Census Bureau bag. Currently, Census workers are only verifying your address, so if they ask for Social Security numbers, bank account information or a donation, they’re imposters! Eventually, Census workers may contact you by phone, mail or in person – not by e-mail - so be leery of e-mail scams misrepresenting the Census.
