The Census

[Hoopla]

Hoopla, the good citizen that he is, sent in his census form. The Census
Bureau, being the good Government Agency that they are, says that I
either did *not* send in the census form or it has been *misplaced*, so they
want to come and interview me.

Found this quote on the web:

"If you could also tell me how you’re able to know how many people haven’t sent back the Census form
if the entire reason for the Census is that you’re not sure how many people there are, I’d appreciate it.
I’m just curious."
<Doug Powers>

[WT Reader]

I recently read on-line that there are various scams going around with persons to claim
to be calling from the U S Census Bureau when THEY ARE NOT.

Personal questions that go way beyond what is asked on the OFFICIAL Cenus Form
are asked...and sometimes, a request for an "in-home interview."

My elderly neigbhor, who mailed in her U S Census form before the April 1, 2010 deadline,
received such a phone call twice...and both times, the callers claimed to be from
the U S Census Bureau and demanded to come to her home for an "in-home interview."

She refused..plus they asked her a lot of very personal questions on the phone
which she refused to answer, then hung up the phone.

My suggestion is when such alleged "U S Census workers" call DEMAND for a call-back number
then agree or answer nothing more, and obtain their names. Than call our
Regional Office of the U S Census Bureau here and ask if this call was really legit:

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.census.gov/regions/chicago/">http://www.census.gov/regions/chicago/</a><!-- m -->

NOO U S Census workers are permitted inside a household, just to stand outside..
for everyone's protection. You, like my elderly neighbor, may very well be victims
of a dangerous scam and hoax.

MORE SECURITY TIPS from the U S Census Bureau here:

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://2010.census.gov/2010census/privacy/more-security-topics.php">http://2010.census.gov/2010census/priva ... topics.php</a><!-- m -->

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://2010.census.gov/2010census/privacy/fraudulent-activity-and-scams.php">http://2010.census.gov/2010census/priva ... -scams.php</a><!-- m -->

--WT Reader