Houlton Police Corner

2010 Census to begin;
 Be cautious about giving info to Census Workers
     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 big question is – how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? The (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 U.S. Census.
 • Remember, no matter what they ask, you really only need to tell them how many people live at your address.
    While the Census Bureau worker 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. The Census Bureau will not contact you by e-mail, so be on the lookout for e-mail scams, and never open any attachments in an e-mail that is supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.
    For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit www.bbb.org.