The United States Constitution mandates that all residents be counted every ten years.  Since the last census in 2000 con artists and ID thieves have come a long way. The 2010 census provides them with a new and extraordinary opportunity for “phishing” for your personal and financial information. 

The United States Census Bureau, a branch of the Department of Commerce, is saddled with this lofty undertaking of counting all residents. They will mail or deliver forms to your home in March 2010. If the forms are not returned, a census representative may visit your home. You will be asked ten questions that concern your residential status (home owner or renter), who lives in a residence, ethnicity, and, perhaps your salary range. 

No non-public personal information will be required. For instance, you will be asked how many people live in your house, whether you rent or own, or are you male or female. You’ll be asked your race, but not your citizenship. Your Social Security number will not be asked.

You are required by law to respond to the census and the information you provide is strictly confidential.  Census data is used to apportion congressional seats to states, to distribute more than $400 billion in federal funds to local, state and tribal governments each year, and to make decisions about what community services to provide.

Forms will be mailed to you and should be returned by mail.  Census-takers will come to the homes of families whose forms are not returned. They will also attempt to survey a few random homes to confirm information that has been provided.

In your attempt to cooperate with the census-takers, please beware of possible scams.  Here are some tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of ID theft:

• If a census-taker comes to your door, they will show a badge. You may also ask to see another picture ID and you may call 303-264-0202 to confirm their status as a census-taker;
• You will never receive email regarding the 2010 Census. You may receive a telephone call asking for a time when a census-taker may stop by to complete your census;
• You do not need to allow a census-taker into your home;
• The Census Bureau will not ask for your Social Security number, bank account or credit card numbers, nor will they solicit donations;
• If you need assistance filling out the census form, you may call 1-866-872-6868 after February 25, 2010 from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m.;
• The Census Bureau is also conducting other surveys during this same time period. You can find more information at www.census.gov and www.2010census.gov