Beware census scam artist tricks



NEW YORK (CNN) -- This week, you'll find a 2010 census survey in your mailbox. And it may be followed shortly thereafter by a call or e-mail from con artists pretending to be from the government.

Scam artists often work off of something that's topical, in the news, that people don't fully understand, like the 2010 census.

CDs & Money Market
MMA 0.45%
$10K MMA 0.46%
6 month CD 0.40%
1 yr CD 0.57%
5 yr CD 1.23%

Find personalized rates:
 

Rates provided by Bankrate.com.

The census questionnaire has a total of 10 questions, and none of those questions should ask you for a bank account, credit card or Social Security number.

Fill out all 10 questions and return the form as soon as possible. If you don't return it in a month that prompts a visit. And only fill out one form for the residence where you spend more than 50% of your time.

Keep in mind that the 2010 census team will never contact you by e-mail. And never click on a link or open an attachment in an e-mail purportedly from the U.S. Census Bureau related to the decennial census.

If you don't mail back your form, you may very well be visited by a census taker at your home.

When a U.S. census worker knocks or you door they will have:

  • A badge
  • A Census Bureau canvas bag
  • A confidentiality notice.

Ask to see their identification and their badge before opening your door and answering any questions.

If someone shows up at your door and either asks you for money to pay for the 2010 census, or they ask you for your Social Security number, don't give them anything.

A census worker who comes to your door will only ask you the questions that are on the survey.

Talkback: Do you know anyone who has received an e-mail "from" the U.S. Census Bureau? (See comments) To top of page

Frontline troops push for solar energy
The U.S. Marines are testing renewable energy technologies like solar to reduce costs and casualties associated with fossil fuels. Play
25 Best Places to find rich singles
Looking for Mr. or Ms. Moneybags? Hunt down the perfect mate in these wealthy cities, which are brimming with unattached professionals. More
Fun festivals: Twins to mustard to pirates!
You'll see double in Twinsburg, Ohio, and Ketchup lovers should beware in Middleton, WI. Here's some of the best and strangest town festivals. Play
Overnight Avg Rate Latest Change Last Week
30 yr fixed3.75%3.66%
15 yr fixed2.89%2.79%
5/1 ARM2.66%2.59%
30 yr refi3.74%3.64%
15 yr refi2.89%2.79%
Rate data provided
by Bankrate.com
View rates in your area
 
Find personalized rates:
Index Last Change % Change
Dow 15,303.10 8.60 0.06%
Nasdaq 3,459.14 -0.28 -0.01%
S&P 500 1,649.60 -0.91 -0.06%
Treasuries 2.01 -0.01 -0.59%
Data as of 2:19pm ET
Company Price Change % Change
Bank of America Corp... 13.24 0.03 0.23%
General Electric Co 23.53 -0.13 -0.55%
Pfizer Inc 29.04 -0.07 -0.24%
Microsoft Corp 34.27 0.12 0.35%
Intel Corp 23.92 -0.13 -0.53%
Data as of May 24

Sections

The fuss over Apple's complex strategies to avoid taxes put the corporate tax code on display in all its convoluted glory this week. More

The 79 tornadoes that hit over three days in 10 states caused billions in losses, with most of damage concentrated in Moore, Oklahoma. More

Vermont, a patent-rich state, is cracking down on so-called "patent trolling," a growing problem for entrepreneurs nationwide. More

New residents are flocking to these 10 cities, which added the largest number of people between July 2011 and July 2012, according to Census Bureau. More

Market indexes are shown in real time, except for the DJIA, which is delayed by two minutes. All times are ET. Disclaimer LIBOR Warning: Neither BBA Enterprises Limited, nor the BBA LIBOR Contributor Banks, nor Reuters, can be held liable for any irregularity or inaccuracy of BBA LIBOR. Disclaimer. Morningstar: © 2013 Morningstar, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer The Dow Jones IndexesSM are proprietary to and distributed by Dow Jones & Company, Inc. and have been licensed for use. All content of the Dow Jones IndexesSM © 2013 is proprietary to Dow Jones & Company, Inc. Chicago Mercantile Association. The market data is the property of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved. FactSet Research Systems Inc. 2013. All rights reserved. Most stock quote data provided by BATS.