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Better Business Bureau Warns Of Census Scams
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AP
It's time to be counted. Portions of the 2010 Census are already underway and scammers are ready too, hoping you'll give them personal information.
Andrea Fujii got tips from the Better Business Bureau on how to protect yourself.
The federal government wants everyone to be counted. Participation in the 2010 Census, as with any other bureau survey, is required by law. But the Better Business Bureau wants you to verify who's asking the questions.
Scammers posing as census workers have already struck some states, and the Better Business Bureau wants Marylanders to be prepared.
"What they did is most often get enough information they could commit identity theft," said Angie Barnett, Maryland Better Business Bureau.
The 2010 Census asks 10 basic questions. Bureau workers have already canvassed neighborhoods in order to send out the survey. Those who don't fill it out may get a personal visit.
"You can go inside and call the Census Bureau and ask for verification based on their identification badge number," said Barnett.
The Census Bureau says their workers will always have an identification badge. They'll never ask for your social security or bank account numbers. Lastly, they'll never contact you via computer.
"The Census Bureau will never ask you questions via e-mail, so if you get those it's a scam," said Barnett.
There's another questionnaire called the American Community Survey. Only one out of 500 households receives it, but the questions are much more personal.
It asks questions like how much is your mortgage. Again, you are required to complete the survey. If you don't, a census worker may knock on your door.
The 2010 Census questionnaires will be sent out early next year. The data collected helps the government allocate $400 billion across the country.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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