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US Census Vs Identity theft

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CIOL Bureau
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ARIZONA, US: LifeLock, Inc., a player in identity theft protection, announced today a strategic partnership with the United States Census Bureau, a leading source of data about America's people and economy.

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LifeLock is committed to educating consumers and helping to better protect personal information, especially during a time when identity thieves will attempt just about anything to ensure personal information is used illegally to their benefit, it adds in a press release.

This month, the U.S. Census Bureau will send out a short questionnaire to every household in the U.S. and Puerto Rico in an effort to collect important demographical data. Residents are required to respond to the 10 questions. From April to July, those who haven’t completed their 2010 Census form will receive a visit to their home address from a Census taker. Identity thieves may take advantage of the Census law and begin targeting unsuspecting victims in an attempt to steal personally identifiable information. Census scams can range from fraudulent emails to attempts to impersonate Census takers. Many consumers don’t think twice about sharing personal information with a Census taker, which is why the scams can be very effective.

“LifeLock is proud to support the 2010 Census,” said Todd Davis, Chairman and CEO of LifeLock. “The information being collected is critical to the country, and all residents should feel comfortable providing the requested information. However, we want consumers to be wary of scam artists perpetrating identity theft crimes during this time. Be careful, and know that the person you’re essentially handing your good name over to is the appropriate worker.”

2010 Census partners are government, non-profit, corporate or community organizations that have formally pledged their commitment to share the 2010 Census message and mobilize their constituents in support of the Census Bureau's goal of achieving a complete count. As a 2010 Census partner, LifeLock is also committed to notifying consumers about the potential identity theft risks associated with the Census, due to scam artists posing as Census takers and collecting private information.

There are distinct differences between a real Census taker and an identity thief posing as a Census taker. U.S. Census takers will have identification (government badges and picture ID) and a confidentiality notice. But it is possible for a thief to fabricate these identification tools, so it’s important to know what Census takers will not do. They will not ask for your Social Security number or financial information, e.g., bank or credit card accounts. They will not ask you for money or say that you owe money. They will not harass or intimidate you. They will not contact you by email – only by phone, by mail or in person.