Ask the Experts: Phony Census Workers?
Source: From the AARP Bulletin print edition | March 1, 2010
Illustration by Mark Zingarelli
Q. I read recently that the 2010 census is under way. When someone claiming to be a census worker knocks on my door, how can I be sure that he or she is legitimate?
A. First, ask to see the census taker’s ID badge that shows he or she is the person representing the U.S. Census Bureau. The badge will have a Department of Commerce watermark, the person’s name and an expiration date. The census taker
may also be carrying a bag with a Census Bureau logo.
If you want additional verification, ask the census taker to provide you with contact information for his or her supervisor and the local Census office phone number. Then ask the person to return the next day to give you a chance to verify the information.
Census workers will not ask for your Social Security number or for information about your bank accounts or credit cards.
The Better Business Bureau advises you not to invite the worker, or anyone you don’t know, into your home.
To protect against identity theft, the BBB also warns you never to give out personal or financial information to anyone who shows up at your door.
Source: Better Business Bureau