Sunday, November 22, 2009

Please pass this information to everyone you know!!!
2010 Census Cautions

Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers.
With the U.S. Cen sus 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?

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) offers the following advice:

If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have the following :
1. a badge,
2. a hand held device,
3. a Census Bureau canvas bag, and
4. 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.

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 employees solicit donations.

Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home.

Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that is supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.

TO RECAP – HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF – FOLLOW THESE RULES!!!!

1. Census workers will carry a badge, a hand held device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. MAKE SURE TO ASK THEM FOR THEIR BADGE AND IDENTIFICATION BEFORE TALKING TO THEM!

2. Census workers will NOT ask for Social Security numbers, Bank Account Numbers, Credit Card Numbers, or any specific account information!

3. Census workers will NOT solicit for donations – do not give anyone any money!

4. Census Workers will NOT contact you by email – do not respond to anyone claiming to be with the US Census by email!

5. Don't invite them into your homes!!

Please pass this information to everyone you know!!!

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Holiday Boutique 8th Annual 30 Artisans Orinda, CA

8th Annual Overhill Road Holiday Boutique – Dec 4, noon - 8 p.m., Dec 5 & 6, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 214 Overhill Road, Orinda. Percentage of proceeds to benefit the Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Hand-crafted gifts and foods by over 30 local crafters. Free admission