2010 Census

by Karl Edmunds ::

Everyone should expect to begin seeing census forms through the mail in March seeking the answers to 10 short questions. But seniors must be prepared for a variety of scams attempting to collect private information. Separating the approved census takers from the scammers is the task.

If you receive the census questions in the mail and don’t answer, then expect to see a census worker at your door sometime between April and July attempting to directly collect the data.

First, there is no cost so don’t fall for requests to donate money, pay fees of any kind nor give any personal information such as bank account numbers, Social Security numbers or credit card details. And don’t provide private information in response to an email even if it appears to have official sanction. Email contact is not used at all in the census process.

First of all, be safe. Don’t invite a stranger into your home. If you are being bullied in any way by a census worker, stop the discussion.

Official census workers can be recognized by their badges, possession of an electronic handheld device, and a notice of confidentiality. Verify these indicators before you answer any questions.

If you are contacted but not convinced, then call first. You can call the local Better Business Bureau in your area. The local BBB has trained people that can verify the credentials of solicitors in your area. It only takes a minute and legitimate census people will not mind the short delay.

For more information on this scam or variations of it visit the Social Security Administration’s website at www.ssa.gov. Use the search function and enter keywords “email scam”.

To learn more about the 2010 Census and U.S. Census workers, call (800) 923-8282 or visit them online at www.2010census.gov.
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About the Author

For more than 20 years, Karl Edmunds has been a noted author within the business and management consulting arena. As a senior, he now engages his curiosity and observations about life to write about key issues of importance to the growing community of seniors (Boomers), and the value of living life to the fullest every single day. Give me your comments and suggests at <a title=”For-Seniors.org” href=”http://for-seniors.org” target=”_blank”>http://For-Seniors.org</a>