Census Scam Alert!

The 2010 US census is under way, and so are the conmen looking to use this to their advantage.

According to the BBB, you should ensure that the person who claims to be taking your information for the 2010 census is an actual census surveyor.

Ten basic questions will be asked of census participants (participation is mandatory by law).  The surveys are actually sent out.  Only those who don’t return one may get a visit.

If they do so, you can call the Census Bureau and verify their story.  Also, bureau workers have an ID badge and will never ask you for SSNs or bank account numbers.

Also, they will never contact you via e-mail.

Hmm…apparently, there is also something called the “American Community Survey” that is a whole lot more personal, such as how big a mortgage you carry.  However, only 1 in 500 homes receive such a survey, so chances are you won’t get it.  If in doubt, call the Census Bureau.