Once again, it’s a census year in the United States. Since the task of counting all of the citizens of this great country of ours takes almost literally all year long, it’s likely a census taker will be visiting your home soon – especially if you don’t return a census form you receive by postal mail. While it’s likely said worker will be legitimate, you need to be aware of the potential that this person could be an identity thief. Even the U.S. Census Bureau is advising people to use a little street smarts.
The Better Business Bureau, which is a large consumer watchdog group, offers the following pointers if someone pays you a visit:

1. Check to see that the census taker has an official badge. The person should also be carrying a confidentiality notice. You are more than welcome to ask to see these objects. If you’re not convinced that the person is a census employee, excuse yourself and call your Census Regional Office. You can find it at http://2010.census.gov/. This person should not request to come into your home.

2. Pay attention to what the person asks. He or she should only inquire about such thing as your name, your address, the number of people that live at the residence and possibly their ages. He or she may ask for a salary range to determine household income level, but not any more specific financial information. The person does not need your Social Security number or any banking contact numbers or account number. If you’re asked to give any of these details, excuse yourself immediately and call the police.
3. Do not respond to any census inquiries you receive by email. Workers are not instructed to contact you in this manner. Most likely, you will be contacted in person or through the postal mail. In rare circumstances, you will be contacted over the phone. If you’re not comfortable supplying information over the phone, simply tell the caller this and you can make other arrangements.


The bottom line is that the purpose of the census is to find out about the people that live in all areas of the country in order to provide adequate funding for public services and proper government representation. It is not any kind of marketing scheme or charitable program. If you see it presented in this manner, it’s likely you’re being contacted by someone who is not really with the Census Bureau.


If you’re speaking with someone that really is with the bureau, or you receive contact in the mail, it’s important to be cooperative and supply the information asked of you. Just make sure it is legitimate before you do so so you don’t give out more than you bargained for. Identity theft protection should always be first and foremost on your mind.