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Scammers likely to prey during census
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As the 2010 Census begins to ramp up, so, too, are scammers looking to glean information or even enter your home.
According to the Hillsborough County Consumer Protection Agency the head count is crucial for the county, however "it is no time for consumers to relax when it comes to safeguarding their personal information," said Kevin Jackson, a chief investigator for the agency.
Jackson explains that census questionnaires will be arriving by mail in March and soon after that, census workers will be knocking on doors to help those who didn't return a census form, or to collect additional information.
The agency warns against getting fooled by a con artist trying to commit fraud or identity theft by imitating a census worker.
Here are some tips from the agency to protect yourself:
Census workers may ask for basic information including name, age, gender, race and salary range. They will never ask for social security numbers, birthdays, credit card numbers or bank account.
All Census workers will wear a badge with the name of the employee and carry a Census Bureau canvas bag and a confidentiality notice. Take a close look at the badge and the identification before answering any questions. If you are suspicious, call the Census Bureau at 1-866-2864 to verify that the person at the door is a census worker.
The Census Bureau may contact residents by email regarding census surveys only. Census organizers say they will never ask for personal information through email. Never click on links on email pretending to be from the Census Bureau. Forward any fraudulent or suspicious-looking email to itso.fraud.reporting@census.gov.
Census workers may contact residents by phone, but usually regarding surveys only. If residents question any census phone call, confirm the information by calling the Census Bureau.
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- Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and dispose of tissue into trash after use.
- Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.
- Prevent the spread of germs by not touching eyes, nose or mouth.
- Call health care providers or health department before seeking care for influenza-like illness.
- Limit close contact with sick people.
- Stay home from work or school when ill and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- Have at least one gallon of water daily per person for up to seven days.
- Have enough food at least enough for up to seven days.
- Include non-perishable packaged or canned food such as juices and snack foods.
- Make sure you have special foods for infants and the elderly.
- Have a manual can opener, cooking tools and fuel; paper plates and plastic utensils.
- Take blankets, pillows, etc., along with raingear and sturdy shoes.
- Take first Aid kit, medicines and prescription drugs.
- Have moisture wipes, toothpaste, hygiene items on hand.
- Obtain a good flashlight with plenty of batteries and battery-operated radio.
- Take plenty of cash as banks and ATMs may be knocked out of service.
- Take along in a secure waterproof container for insurance, medical records, bank numbers, Social Security card, etc.
- Keep a set of tools with you in your vehicle and make sure you keep the gas tank(s) fuel before the storm arrives.
- Keep the pets protected with plenty of food; a carrier cage; muzzle and leash and identification and medical/shot records.
- Take along toys, books and games to pass the time.
- Open your home to friends, co-workers or relatives who may need shelter.
- Designate clean containers for storing water: a minimum of three gallons per person a day for several days.
- Have a week's supply of non-perishable food and don't forget a non-electric can opener.
- Check emergency supplies: A two-week supply of medicines, special dietary foods, portable radio with batteries, flashlights & batteries, automatic wea
- If you lose power, turn off major appliances as they will cause a power surge on restart where it could cause damage to appliances or circuit breaker.
- Stay inside away from windows, skylights or glass doors.
- Don't be fooled by the storm's calm.
- Should flooding threaten your home be sure to turn off electricity at the main breaker.
- Leave early as the roads will be very busy during evacuations.
- Pack what you will need
- Turn off electricity, gas, appliances & water
- Take important papers with you — ID with your local address and insurance data.
- Contact friends & relatives: Let them know where you are going.
- Elevate furniture, TV's, computers and other electrical devices.
- Be sure to lock your windows and doors.
- Stay with friends, relatives or at a public shelter not too far away from your home.
