The 2010 Census is beginning this month. Below is an explanation of the Census and how to tell if a Census taker is legitimate or a fake from the Sheriff’s Office’s crime prevention newsletter “Partners in Crime Prevention”:
The US Census will begin soon. In March, each residence in the US and Puerto Rico will receive a questionnaire with 10 questions. You will be asked to answer the questions then mail it in the postage paid envelope. If you don't mail it you may receive a visit from a census taker. Census takers must follow up in person at every address that does not return the questionnaire.
You will be contacted by letter from the Census Bureau Director that you will receive a form in the mail, a phone call from the Census Bureau, or a visit from a Census Bureau representative. All correspondence will be marked as from the U.S. Census Bureau and as OFFICIAL BUSINESS of the United States. You will NOT be contacted via email.
Questions that the questionnaire asks includes name, gender, age, race, ethnicity, relationship, and if you own or rent the home. Your answers are safeguarded, and are not shared with anyone.
From April to July, census takers will visit every household that did not return the questionnaire. If someone knocks on your door claiming to be from the Census look for:
- A government ID badge with just the census taker’s name.
- You may ask for a picture ID from another source to confirm identity.
- Some census workers might carry a bag that has the words “U.S. Census Bureau” on it.
If you are still uncertain that the individual is a census taker, call the Seattle Regional Census Center at (425)-908-3000.
Census Takers will not ask:
- About your taxes or income.
- For your Social Security number, bank account number, or credit card number.
- For a donation.
Remember, scammers always are looking for your personal information like your Social Security number and account numbers. Also, they use email with links to lure you to websites that take your personal information and download malware software onto your computer.
For more information about the Census go to:
www.2010.census.gov
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