2010 Census to begin

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

Snopes article expands a little. http://www.snopes.com/fraud/identity/census.asp

2010 Census to Begin

THIS IS PRETTY BASIC ADVICE

Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers by Susan Johnson

With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.

The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:

If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home.

Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census.

REMEMBER, NO MATTER WHAT THEY ASK,YOU ONLY NEED TO TELL THEM HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE AT YOUR ADDRESS.

While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, YOU DON'T HAVE TO ANSWER ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION. The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations. Anyone asking for that information is NOT with the Census Bureau.

AND REMEMBER, THE CENSUS BUREAU HAS DECIDED NOT TO WORK WITH ACORN ON GATHERING THIS INFORMATION... No Acorn worker should approach you saying he/she is with the Census Bureau.

Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by email, so be on the lookout for email scams impersonating the Census.

Never click on a link or open any attachments in an email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.

For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit www.bbb.org.

[phkrause]

Snopes article expands a little. http://www.snopes.com/fraud/identity/census.asp

2010 Census to Begin

THIS IS PRETTY BASIC ADVICE

Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers by Susan Johnson

With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.

The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:

If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home.

Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census.

REMEMBER, NO MATTER WHAT THEY ASK,YOU ONLY NEED TO TELL THEM HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE AT YOUR ADDRESS.

While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, YOU DON'T HAVE TO ANSWER ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION. The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations. Anyone asking for that information is NOT with the Census Bureau.

AND REMEMBER, THE CENSUS BUREAU HAS DECIDED NOT TO WORK WITH ACORN ON GATHERING THIS INFORMATION... No Acorn worker should approach you saying he/she is with the Census Bureau.

Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by email, so be on the lookout for email scams impersonating the Census.

Never click on a link or open any attachments in an email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.

For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit www.bbb.org.

Have we ever had a census like this before? I know here in Mass they send out census stuff every year. At least here in Lancaster.

pk

[GreatLakesGramma]

They always have census workers doing that. But they don't go to every house. If you haven't had one show up at your door, it's because you have been a good boy & sent in your census forms on time.

[abelisle]

My wife and I applied for and took the test to be Census workers in our community. The test isn't that easy by the way. But I managed to score very well and may be assigned as Census supervisor? Either way, stayed tuned and I'll let you folks know what really happens behind the scenes.

I promise not to ask for SS #'s LOL

Alex

[Woody]

Are you connected with Acorn in any way shape or form?

[abelisle]

Are you connected with Acorn in any way shape or form?

1) I'm assuming that you're joking?

2) No, I am not.

As an aside, I think Adventists should get more involved in their local communities, politically and socially. Otherwise, why should they (the community) be interested in what we have to offer if we show no interest in them?

Jesus befriended prostitutes and tax collectors. And you guys are worried about census takers?

Alex

[Steve Billiter]

My wife and I applied for and took the test to be Census workers in our community. The test isn't that easy by the way. But I managed to score very well and may be assigned as Census supervisor? Either way, stayed tuned and I'll let you folks know what really happens behind the scenes.

I promise not to ask for SS #'s LOL

Alex

I did all that too, but as of yet heard nothing. It seems like a good job to supplement my college work.

[Dottie]

I live in a community that gets a lot of door-to-door people.

They are not selling objects, but usually services, such as tree trimming, lawn care, roof repairs, etc. I am always polite to them, and they leave with a smile on their face, but no expected income from me.

One day, a lady came to the door with her little girl. It was near the last election. After we had talked a little while, she told me that she could always tell one group of prople from another. One group always had a flag flying in their yards.

The census takers came last time, and asked me about the children in my house. I told them they were visiting. I was always very careful about guarding the identities of my foster children. We should always be careful about giving anyone, at the door or on the phone, any personal information. We don't answer our phone if the person calling has no caller id.

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

Have we ever had a census like this before? I know here in Mass they send out census stuff every year. At least here in Lancaster.

pk

[phkrause]

[Outta Here]

I know it's not my business, but if foster children are living in the home when a census is taken and the census bureau is told they are just visiting, does that mean that they will not be counted in the U.S. Census? Will they be counted on someone else's account?

[phkrause]

I know it's not my business, but if foster children are living in the home when a census is taken and the census bureau is told they are just visiting, does that mean that they will not be counted in the U.S. Census? Will they be counted on someone else's account?

Now that's a good question Aubrey.

pk

[GreatLakesGramma]

I think they are supposed to be counted at the home where they are living when the census is taken.

[Woody]

Originally Posted By: Redwood

Are you connected with Acorn in any way shape or form?

1) I'm assuming that you're joking?

2) No, I am not.

Thanks. Yes, I was joking. But then it is a serious issue. Having a president who was connected to them is enough.

[GreatLakesGramma]

I think Adventists should get more involved in their local communities, politically and socially.

I agree. A few years ago, I considered attending the monthly township board meetings, and possibly running for local office in the future. But my autoimmunity makes it difficult even to keep up with minimal home responsibilities, and i really can't afford to add anything else to my schedule, so I gave up on that idea.

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

I know it's not my business, but if foster children are living in the home when a census is taken and the census bureau is told they are just visiting, does that mean that they will not be counted in the U.S. Census? Will they be counted on someone else's account?

with foster children being shuttled around from household to household maybe the census bureau has a different way to count those children...otherwise, they could be counted twice.

ntmomitf

[Dottie]

I supposed the department would fill out their numbers for the census people. If I was wrong, it's too late to change.

And I kept my foster children until they were placed in a permanent home.

We had a couple of girls that my hubby wanted to send back to the department. I told him they are not clothes that don't fit, we're keeping them until they are placed. And they were not nearly as difficult as the one to whom we gave a forever home.

[Dottie]

Maybe if he had asked me if they were living with me, I would have answered with a yes, but I never liked anyone giving them a label of "foster child" because it demeans their value as people.

[Outta Here]

I apologize for using the term, "foster children", Dottie. I am glad to know that these young persons will be counted in the census.

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

I never thought of the term "foster child" as a demeaning, devaluing term.

btmomnitf