With 2010 being a census year, residents are being asked to be cooperative. But don’t be TOO trusting; remain cautious. Some con artists have been taking advantage by posing as US Census workers, collecting personal information from residents. So how will you know if the person knocking at your door is a government employee or a criminal? Here is how you can be sure:

Know the Difference

Knowing how to recognize a Census worker is the first step. They will have a Government ID Badge, a handheld device, a canvas Census Bureau bag, and a confidentiality notice. You should ask to see their identification before you answer any questions.

Don’t Give Out Your Financial Information

Census workers should only be knocking on doors to verify address information. They may ask about basic financial information too, such as salary range, they should not ask for your Social Security Number. You don’t have to answer anything at all about your financial situation, and DO NOT give them your social security number, credit card number, banking information, etc.

Be Cautious of Email Scams

Census workers will be contacting you by telephone, mail, or in person, but they will not contact you by email. Be on the look out for email scams. Don’t open an email or click on any links that are supposedly from the Census Bureau.

For more information about these scams, please click here. You can also call your local police department.