U.S. Census Bureau forms are arriving in Bay area mailboxes this week. It's part of the government's once-a-decade head count. Census officials are encouraging residents to take 10 minutes to fill out the form and mail it back.
Those who fail to do so can expect a visit by a Census worker to collect the information on the form.
That's where scammers could cause trouble. Consumer advocates are warning people to be on the lookout for fake census employees.
"I think a lot of times, senior citizens are preyed on,'' said Pinellas County consumer services investigator Anna Marie Millett. "But anybody can fall victim."
You don't have to tell that to Largo residents Ron and Shirley Petcher. Both said they are on guard for scams involving the census.
"No banking information, no credit card information should be given because it has nothing to do with money," said Shirley Petcher.
All workers will be carrying a canvas tote with a U.S. Census Bureau logo on the side. In addition, workers will carry an identification badge. One thing conspicuously absent from the badge is a photo.
Residents who question the authenticity of a worker can call the Census bureau to verify a worker is genuine.
Shirley Petcher has a plan if a fake census worker comes to her door.
"If they ask you for something, just close that door," she said, "and just say 'Sorry, you're the wrong person to be asking.' "
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