The Census Bureau is coming. . . . .

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 REALLY 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.  Any one 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.

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.

Also...If they ask you if you have a gun in the house...do not answer it is not part of the census.