The do's and dont's of the 2010 Census

TAMPA - In the next few months, you may get an unexpected knock at the door.

The U.S. Census Bureau will dispatch more than 140,000 census workers to count every person in the United States. In the process, they will gather information about every person living at each address.

But Better Business Bureau representative John Zajac says beware -- you want to be cooperative, but cautious. The last thing you want is to fall victim to identity theft or fraud.

"They're just trying to get some information. They're not going to harass you, so if you feel high pressure from them, step back, ask some information about their supervisor and try and confirm their identity," said Zajac.

So experts say there are a few things to look out for that will tell you if your census worker is legitimate or not.

• First, census workers will have a badge. If in doubt, ask for identification.
• They should carry a census canvas bag, a hand-held device, and a confidentially notice.
• While workers will ask you basic financial information, such as your salary range, never give them your social security number, credit card numbers, or bank account information.
• Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. But they will not contact you by e-mail, so beware of e-mail scams.

"Criminals know that's out there and they see it as an opportunity to take someone's personal information and use it for therir own benefit," said Zajac.

Marsha DiSanto was more trusting with her private information years ago, but she says she has wised up. She knows sharing too much can leave you in a financial mess.

"I don't give anything out. That's the motto period," said DiSanto.

More information from U.S. Census 2010:

http://2010.census.gov/2010census/privacy/more-security-topics.php