Connecticut Better Business Bureau advises citizens about census-related scams

PRLog (Press Release) - Nov 12, 2009 -
Connecticut residents are being warned about census-related scams that are popping up across the country, including people posing as census-takers who are “phishing” for personal information.

The Census Bureau (www.census.gov) defines phishing as the “criminally fraudulent process of attempting to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, social security numbers, bank account or credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication…typically carried out by email and it often directs users to enter sensitive information at a fake Web site whose look and feel are almost identical to the legitimate one.”

The U.S. Census Bureau wants citizens to know that it does not conduct the 2010 Census via e-mail or the Internet nor require detailed personal information.

Connecticut Better Business Bureau President, Paulette Scarpetti, says there is a balance between divulging personal information while at the same time, fulfilling legal requirements to participate in the census.

“The census does require some personal information, but not social security numbers, credit or banking information of the type that identity thieves would be after.”

BBBs have received inquiries from people who are uncertain about giving out personal information after being approached by census workers.

BBB offers the following advice to help distinguish legitimate census workers from imposters. U.S. Census workers will:
•have identification, a handheld device and a confidentiality notice. Caution: Never invite strangers into your home.
•never ask for your social security number or any bank or credit card-related information or a Personal Identification Number (PIN).
•never ask you for money or say that you owe money.
•not harass or intimidate you.
•not request personal information by email, but will contact you by telephone, mail or in person.

Census takers can be recognized by their black canvas bags and an identification card with their name and employee identification number. Connecticut is among several states covered by the Boston Regional Census Office.  Residents are urged to call toll free 1-866-861-2010 to verify the identity of census workers.  Legitimate census workers will stay at your door while you verify their identification.  The regional office also may be reached by email: boston.2010.recruiting@census.gov.

According to the Census Bureau, many residents may never be visited by a 2010 Census worker.  Questionnaires will be sent out by mail in one of the upcoming phases of the 2010 Census. Door-to-door census takers may visit a home if a questionnaire is returned incomplete or in cases where there is no response from the resident.

More information, updates and alerts are posted at the government Web site www.census.gov.