Census

Thought I would pass this on. I received this today.

PRINT AND PUT ON REFRIGERATOR   2010 CENSUS TO BEGIN CAUTION!  The 2010 Census is about to begin and you are not obligated to tell them anything, zero, zip, nada, except how many folks live under your roof. You don't have to tell them race, gender, relationship, age or anything else. Census takers may insist they need the additional info for various government requirements, financial grants, or social programs. They would like to know as much as you will divulge. The US Constitution requires a census every ten years only to establish representation in the US House of Representatives, nothing else. I suggest you only give out the info that is required. WARNING: 2010 Census - Cautions from the Better Business Bureau.  Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers by Susan Johnson.  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 hand held 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. Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, 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.. For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit   www.bbb.org