Fraud Alert: Census 2010 Is Coming!

Posted on October 19th, 2009.

Every 10 years, according to the United States Constitution, Article 1, a census is taken of all Americans. It’s not too early to discuss this process as a census does give con artists and ID thieves an opportunity to strike.

A census is a statistical survey. Forms will be mailed to your home and if they are not returned, a census representative may visit your home. Questions may be asked about residential status (home owner or renter), who lives in a residence, ethnicity, and, perhaps, salary range. No non-public personal information will be required. For instance, you may be asked about a salary range but not where you work; you may be asked if you are a U.S. citizen, but your Social Security number will not be required; you may be asked to confirm your name, but will not be asked your date of birth. By law, however, you must respond to the census.

Forms will be mailed and should be returned by mail. Census-takers will call upon homes where forms are not returned and some random homes to confirm information that has been provided.

Here are some helps to avoid becoming a victim of ID theft:

If a census-taker comes to your door, they will show a badge. You may also ask to see another picture ID and may call 303-264-0202 to confirm their status as a census-taker;
You will receive NO E-mail concerning the 2010 Census. You may receive a telephone call asking for a time when a census-taker may stop by to complete your census;
You do not need to allow a census-taker into your home;
The Census Bureau will not ask for your Social Security number, bank account or credit card numbers, nor will they solicit donations;
If you need assistance filling out the census form, you may call 1-866-872-6868 after February 25, 2010, from 8 A.M until 9 P.M.;

For more information than you’ll ever need: https://ask.census2010.gov.

Source: District Attorney Scott Storey, Office of Jefferson/Gilpin Counties, Colorado

To report fraud, ask a question, or schedule a ‘Power Against Fraud’ seminar, call: 303-271-6980

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