The Better Business Bureau advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. 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.
Do not give your social security number, your credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they say they need it for the U.S. Census. Anyone asking for this information or asking for a donation is not with the U.S. Census Bureau. The census bureau will not contact you by e-mail so watch for e-mail census fraud. Official census workers may contact you by phone mail or in person at home. Never click on a link or open any attachments in an e-mail that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau. Remember, official government census information will not be collected by e-mail.
For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, see the Better Business Bureau's website.
