With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau advises people to be cooperative but cautious so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft.

How can you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? The bureau offers the following advice:

•If a U.S. Census worker knocks on the 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. Never invite strangers into the home.

•Census workers are only knocking on doors to verify address information. Don’t give a Social Security number or credit card or banking information to anyone––even if they claim they need it for the census.

While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, it will not ask for Social Security, bank account or credit card numbers nor will any employees solicit donations.

Census workers may contact citizens by telephone, mail or in person at home. However, they won’t make contact by e-mail, so be on the lookout for e-mail scams impersonating the census. Never click on a link or open any attachments in an e-mail that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.

For more information, go to www.mysccblog.com/2009.