The Census

[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:

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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:

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--WT Reader