Called to confirm it was legit as everyone should, but whenever I started to fill it out (I'm mailing it, no way am I sending this info out on line), it made me a little bit uneasy. The stuff they want is a criminal's treasure trove.
1.) What time do my wife and I go to work?
2.) How long does it take to get there?
3.) How many hours are we there?
4.) How many days a week do we work?
5.) How many weeks a year do we work?
6.) How do we get there?
7.) Do we drive a car, take a bicycle, walk, take a bus, work at home, etc.?
8.) Individual info on each kid that still lives at home and whether they are at school each day?
9.) Of course all the income, health, and personal ID questions (doesn't ask for SS Number). It goes on and on and on with all the personal stuff.
When I called, they were very nice, but tried to be evasive about the fine if I didn't send it in. Someone finally told me it could be anywhere from a $100 to $5,000 fine, depending on the circumstances, which I double checked to be correct.
I'm mailing it in today, but only after having checked it out thoroughly. This is a scam artist's delight, and from what I understand, they know it. If you get one, the Census Bureau themselves recommends you call them directly to make sure it's legit. If you don't, you might be sorry. The stuff you have to disclose could lose you a TON of money and assets ( or possibly even a family member's life) if ever placed in the wrong hands.
Not sure this isn't a case of Big Brother going a little bit too far. As even they warn, beware of the scammers.
1.) What time do my wife and I go to work?
2.) How long does it take to get there?
3.) How many hours are we there?
4.) How many days a week do we work?
5.) How many weeks a year do we work?
6.) How do we get there?
7.) Do we drive a car, take a bicycle, walk, take a bus, work at home, etc.?
8.) Individual info on each kid that still lives at home and whether they are at school each day?
9.) Of course all the income, health, and personal ID questions (doesn't ask for SS Number). It goes on and on and on with all the personal stuff.
When I called, they were very nice, but tried to be evasive about the fine if I didn't send it in. Someone finally told me it could be anywhere from a $100 to $5,000 fine, depending on the circumstances, which I double checked to be correct.
I'm mailing it in today, but only after having checked it out thoroughly. This is a scam artist's delight, and from what I understand, they know it. If you get one, the Census Bureau themselves recommends you call them directly to make sure it's legit. If you don't, you might be sorry. The stuff you have to disclose could lose you a TON of money and assets ( or possibly even a family member's life) if ever placed in the wrong hands.
Not sure this isn't a case of Big Brother going a little bit too far. As even they warn, beware of the scammers.