BBB Offers Advice on How to Identify Legitimate Census Workers

Over the next 18 months, 1.4 million U.S. Census workers will be surveying the population of the country to gather demographic information about everyone living here.  As the 2010 census process begins, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Serving New Jersey  advises citizens to cooperate carefully in order to avoid becoming a victim of census-related scams.

Citizens are required by law to respond to the U.S. Census Bureau’s requests for information. Census data will be used in allocation of more than $300 billion in federal funds as well as in determining the number of Congressional representatives that each state is allowed.

“Most people are understandably cautious about giving out personal information to unsolicited phone callers or visitors, but the Census is an exception to the rule,” said Melissa Companick,  President of  the BBB of New Jersey.  “Scammers know that the public is more willing to share personal data when participating in the Census, so they take advantage of this opportunity by posing as government workers to get access to personal financial information.”

The BBB and local media have gotten calls from citizens who have been approached by census workers, but are uncertain about giving out personal information. The BBB has been in contact with local census officials, who have urged New Jersey  residents to call to verify the identity of census workers. That number for NJ northern counties is 212 584-3400 or 800-991-2520 (NY Region) and for central and southern counties 215-717-1800  or  1-800-262-4236 (PA Region). Helpful information may also be found on the Census Bureau's website at www.census.gov.

The BBB offers the following advice to help distinguish between bona fide Census workers and con artists:

• U.S. Census workers will have identification, a handheld device and a confidentiality notice. Caution: never invite strangers into your home.
• U.S. Census workers will not ask for your Social Security number or any information about bank or credit card accounts.
• U.S. Census workers will not ask you for money or say that you owe money.
• U.S. Census workers will not harass or intimidate you.
• U.S. Census workers will not contact you by email – only by phone, by mail or in person.

The Census Bureau conducts a variety of censuses and surveys, not just the once-a-decade census. Every month, quarter, and year the Census Bureau conducts surveys with households and businesses. The questions asked are used only to produce statistics, and you are never identified individually:

• The Census Bureau does not send email requesting PIN codes, passwords social security numbers or similar access information for credit cards, banks or other financial accounts.

• If you receive an email or find a web site that you suspect is falsely representing the Census Bureau:

• Do not reply or click on any links within the email.
• Do not open any attachments. Attachments may contain code that could infect your computer.
• Forward the email or web site URL to the Census Bureau at itso.fraud.reporting@census.gov.

For more information regarding the 2010 Census, visit the U.S. Census Bureau online at www.census.gov.