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WARNING: 2010 Census Cautions from the Better Business Bureau
Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers Offical BBB Page
by Susan Johnson
With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.
The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist?
BBB offers the following advice:
** If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home.
** Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information.
Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. . Census. REMEMBER, NO MATTER WHAT THEY ASK, YOU REALLY ONLY NEED TO TELL THEM HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE AT YOUR ADDRESS.
While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, YOU DON'T HAVE TO ANSWER ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION. The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations. Any one asking for that information is NOT with the Census Bureau.
AND REMEMBER, THE CENSUS BUREAU HAS DECIDED NOT TO WORK WITH ACORN ON GATHERING THIS INFORMATION.. No Acorn worker should approach you saying he/she is with the Census Bureau.
Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census. Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.
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Florida News
JACKSONVILLE (FBC)-Two regional conferences will be offered this spring to help ministry assistants improve and enhance their ministry skills.
The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville will host a regional event Feb.12 which will feature workshops: "Office Management," and "Bloom Where You Are Planted," led by Adrianne Smith, ministry specialist with LifeWay Christian Resources; and "Rules of the Red Rubber Ball," led by Roy Saint, associate, Leadership and Life Development Department, Florida Baptist Convention.
ORLANDO (FBW)-It's simple yet profound: a 15-year-old girl saw a need and did something about it. As a result, needy families are benefitting.
"This is something that really touches my heart and something I believe the Lord is calling me to do," said Katie Jennings, who has turned 16 since feeling the Lord's call to begin a ministry.
Roy Huling, 73, long-time Bible teacher and soul winner at Lake Shore Baptist Church in Jacksonville died Oct. 18.
William S. Martin, 83, retired pastor and educator, died Dec. 27 in Bradenton. In a 50-year ministry, he served as pastor of nine churches, including First Baptist Church in Ruskin and Community Baptist Church in Oneco.
GRACEVILLE (FBW)- "Proclaiming the Word of God" is the subject of the second annual preaching contest sponsored by the Florida Baptist Historical Society. All 2010 entries should be submitted before April 1.
JACKSONVILLE (FBC)—Three high school teens, Jessica Bodmer of Key West, Rachel Yeargain of Pensacola, and Stephanie Rodriguez of Port Richey, have been selected as Florida Acteens state advisory panelists for 2009-2010.
The young women were selected on the basis of their church, school and community involvement said Cindy Goodwin, director of the Florida Baptist Women’s Missions and Ministries Department.
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