Beware of Census Scams

By The Franklin Lakes Journal

Published: January 16, 2010

Better Business Bureau’s throughout the country are taking the initiative in alerting consumers to scams related to the 2010 census. Some scams involve emails soliciting sensitive data that could be used for identity theft, and others utilize cold calling techniques. The scams can also involve people coming to your door pretending to be census workers.

It is important that residents cooperate with census workers as some studies show that up to $12,000 in government spending is allotted for every man, woman and child recorded in the census count. New Jersey is one of the lowest ranked states with respect to federal dollars being returned, and a lower census count will aggravate that situation.

Census workers will not be contacting people by email, but will be out in the field from April to July 2010 visiting households that have not mailed back a completed 2010 Census form. Workers will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau bag and a confidentiality notice. It is advised that resident request to inspect their identification and badge before any questions.

The 2010 Census asks for name, gender, age, race, ethnicity, relationship, whether you own or rent, and salary range. They will not ask for a Social Security Number, bank information, or credit card information.