• Meet The DA
• Contact Us
  • District Map
  • Law Enforcement
  • Local Government
• News and Dockets
  • Current Docket
  • Current News
  • Obtaining Public Records
  • Release Of Public Information
• Victim/Witness Services
  • Victim/Witness Advocates
  • Your Rights As A Crime Victim
  • Victims Compensation
  • Restitution for Victims
    • Losses Not Restitution
    • Losses That May Be Ordered As Restitution
    • Victim Impact Statement District & Juvenile
  • Courtroom Map / Diagram
  • Forensic Medical Exams
  • Witness Intimidation
  • Witness Protection / Relocation Program
• Consumer Protection
  • CONSUMER ALERTS
    • BBB Warns of Toyota Recall Scam
    • How the Census Will Operate
    • Internet Shopping Reminders
    • New Internet Scam
    • Loan Modification Scams
    • Collection Call Scam
  • IDENTITY THEFT
    • I.D. Theft Handbook
    • I.D. Theft Workbook
    • Death Notification Procedures
    • Providing Social Security Number
    • Medical Identity Theft
  • CONSUMER PROTECTION DOCUMENTS
    • Bad Check Program
    • Canceling Contracts: Your Rights
    • Consumer Complaint Form
    • Credit File Security Freeze
    • Fair Debt Collection
    • Power of Attorney
    • 3 Day Cooling Off Rule
  • EXAMPLES OF SCAMS
    • Employment Scams
    • Survey Scam
    • Sweepstakes or Lottery Scams
  • UNDERSTANDING SENIOR FRAUD
  • CONSUMER PROTECTION CONTACTS
• Protecting Business
  • Business Alerts
  • Workplace Crime Handbook
  • Seven Tips for Small Businesses
• Units
  • Appeals
  • Criminal Investigations
  • Economic Crime Unit
  • Felony Prosecution
  • Juvenile Prosecution
  • Misdemeanor Prosecution
  • Special Victims Unit
  • Victim Advocate
  • Victims Compensation
  • Juvenile Diversion
    • Emmy Award Winning Video
      • EMMY AWARD RECEPTION
    • Juvenile Assessment Center
• Info and Resources
  • FAQs
  • Domestic Violence
    • Domestic Violence Fast Track
    • Rural Domestic Violence Grant
    • Online Resources on Dating Violence
  • Colorado Violent Death Reporting System
  • Defendant on Probation
  • Additional Resources
  • Literature
  • Sex Offenders In Your Neighborhood
  • Speaker's Bureau
  • Common Words and Phrases
• Events
  • Calendar of Events
    • Community Events Calendar
  • Coffee With Carol
  • DA Citizens Academy
    • Application
  • Calendar Contest
    • 2009 Winners Gallery - Good Character Means Good Community
    • 2008 Winners Gallery - Safety Starts With Me
  • 2009 Oath of Office
  • 2009 Teen Multimedia Contest
• Employment
  • Paid Positions
  • Legal Interns
  • Volunteer Internship
    • Fast Track Volunteer
• 2010 Rural Essay Contest!
• Site Map
• Home
  

 

 

BBB News Release

For more information or to schedule an interview, contact:

Megan Miller | Public Relations Specialist

303-996-3644 mmiller@denver.bbb.org

                                        

 

BBB Warns of Imposters, Offers Facts to Avoid Being Scammed

 

Denver, CO C February 1^st, 2010 C The U.S. Census is a very important, yet simple process that each household must participate in every ten years. Completing the Census ensures that our communities will receive adequate federal funds for things like hospitals, schools, senior centers, job training centers, emergency services and public works projects.

 

In March, forms will be delivered to every U.S. residence. The form is only ten questions long and the most personal of questions are simply names, dates of birth and a phone number. If the form is not filled out and mailed back, a Census taker will visit the residence to retrieve the information in person.

 

The 2010 Census is yet another opportunity for criminals and scammers to rally. Denvers Regional Census Center has already reported that some fraudulent mailings have been sent falsely referencing the Census. One was a Republican Party letter that asks for money and one was from the Census of Senior Citizens. Do not respond to letters from these entities.

 

To avoid being a victim of identity theft or any other crime, the BBB offers helpful facts about the Census.

 

The Census form WILL NOT:

 

         Ask for social security numbers, financial information or even legal status as a U.S. resident or citizen.

         Be available to fill out online, via email or phone. The only time the Census Bureau will contact a residence by phone is if the form has already been filled out, included a phone number and was missing something or contained something that couldnt be understood.

         Be shared with ANYONE outside of the Census Bureau. This includes ANY other government branch or agency. It is strictly confidential.

 

Census takers WILL NOT:

 

         Ask any questions that are not on the Census form.

         Ask to come inside a home.

         Contact people by email or phone. (Again, the only time someone will be contacted by phone is if something was missing or incomprehensible on the form.)

         Ask for any donations or fees.

 

Census takers WILL:

 

         Carry official government badges marked with just their name; they may also have a "U.S. Census Bureau" canvas bag.

         Give you the number to the appropriate Regional Census Center to verify legitimacy and/or to ask any other questions upon request. The number for Colorados Regional Census Center is: (800) 852-6159.

         Visit a home several times if the information is not received. They will leave contact information to schedule a visit if the occupants are not home.

         Show non-English speaking residents a flashcard with information about the Census and have them point to the language they speak. The Census taker will then re-assign that residence to someone who speaks their language.

 

Remember, the best thing to do is to fill out the form and send it back as soon as you receive it. Not only will this prevent a Census taker from visiting your home but it is extremely important to the quality of our daily lives and it is required by law.

 

To report any suspicious activity regarding the 2010 U.S. Census, contact the BBB: (303) 758-2100, the Regional Census Center: (800) 852-6159 and/or the FBI: (303) 239-4300.

 

 

# # # #

 

About BBB
The BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB Accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organizations high standards of ethical business behavior. The BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Reliability Reports^TM on businesses and BBB Wise Giving Reports^TM on charities, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, your BBB also offers dispute resolution services for consumers and businesses. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 125 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada. Please visit www.denver.bbb.org for more information.

 

 

(Written by Megan N. Miller/BBB Serving Denver|Boulder)

---

 

---

 

The 18th Judicial District - District Attorney Carol Chambers is now on facebook.  Please visit our profile by clicking here. Sign up to become a supporter.