Consumer Alerts & Cautions

FDIC Offers 10 Tips for Safe Online Banking, Bill Paying and Shopping

2010 Census Cautions from the Better Business Bureau

**If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your 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. 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. Remember, no matter what they ask, you really only need to tell them now many people live at your address. While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range,you don't have to answer anything at all about your financial situation. The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers nor will employees solicit donations. Anyone asking for that information should be reported to the authorities.