The 2010 Census is “Prime Time” for identity theft!

Its time for the 2010 Census. Government officials, census workers and volunteers are busy collecting information that can affect the funding available for many state and local programs, as well as determine the electoral makeup of the country, The Better Business Bureau has warned that census time is a prime time for identity thieves who try to trick people into giving out sensitive personal information.

If you are contacted by someone claiming to be a census worker, be aware that:

The Census Bureau does not conduct the Census via the Internet or send e-mails to individual Americans about participating in the Census. The Census Bureau does not collect your full Social Security number, credit card, bank, or other financial account information (including PIN codes and passwords), money or donations or make requests on behalf of a political party or candidate.

Legitimate census data collection takes place by mail, telephone or in-person by a census worker carrying identification as a U.S. Census worker. Mailed requests from the Census Bureau are marked as having come from the U.S. Census Bureau and as OFFICIAL BUSINESS of the United States If a “census” form asks for financial account information, passwords, or a Social Security number, it’s a phony.

In some areas, Census workers will start going door-to-door in May to visit households that didn’t return questionnaires. Legitimate representatives will always carry a valid Census Bureau ID badge featuring their name. The BBB suggests that you ask for a picture identification (such as a driver's license) to confirm the census worker’s identity.