Q Census forms are now delivered to homes; are you hearing of any fraud and scam activity by crooks?
A Yes, there is activity; keeping in mind that thieves are devious and always looking for a new strategy to trick consumers and business. Also be advised that the American Community Survey is active at this time. The American Community Survey is an ongoing survey that collects detailed population and housing information from a sample of U.S. households and group quarters facilities each month.
Households that receive both the American Community Survey and the 2010 Census need to respond to both. More information is available at www.census.gov .
At this time there are four forms of 2010 census fraud we have become aware of. Watch out for the following:
1. Phishing fraud -- You will receive and official looking e-mail saying you did not fill out the census survey correctly. Then they ask for Social Security number or bank account information. The 2010 Census can not be filed on line and no one will receive legitimate e-mail about the 2010 survey.
2. Fake questionnaire -- You could receive a fake questionnaire in the mail requesting personal information. If you are uncertain about the form, visit the Census Web site, www.census.gov and compare your survey with the official one online. Toss out the fake and do not respond in any manner.
3. Phony phone call -- If someone calls you claiming to be representing the census and asks you to divulge personal financial information, it's a scam. Only in rare instances will a census worker call to clarify information you have submitted, according to the census Web site. In addition, fraudsters now have devices that can make caller ID display "U.S. Census," making the call seem that much more credible. Do not give out any type financial information over the phone.
4. Personal visit -- Starting May 1, if people do not mail back their forms, census takers will visit their homes to fill out the questionnaire in person. This will provide opportunity for this type of scam; someone knocks on your door, states he or she is a census worker and asks for money to pay for the 2010 Census. Ask to see his or her official government badge with a name and a Department of Commerce watermark. A legitimate census worker who goes to your door will only ask the same questions that are on the survey.
Q My husband and I are apprehensive to conduct financial transactions on the Internet. What are the red flags to watch for on the Internet?
A First, always make sure that your computer is secure; do not rely on just one defense. Use a combination of security tools. Install Anti-virus software to block spyware and other malicious attacks, and a firewall to stop hackers from accessing your computer. Use automatic anti-virus software that scans at least one time a week. If you get a virus warning and are not sure about it, contact your vendor.
The following are other security steps to take while conducting financial transactions on the internet.
1. Do not log into bank accounts or other financial type accounts while using public computers, such as the library or free wireless connections at coffee shops, etc. Criminals often try to intercept internet traffic from these locations.
2. Watch for pop-up windows asking for personal information or warning of a virus. So-called "scareware" can frighten people into providing information, downloading malicious software or paying for its removal. Call your anti-virus software company if you need help.
3. Pay attention to toolbars atop your screen. Current versions of the most popular Internet browsers and search engines often indicate if you are visiting a suspicious Web site.
4. Choose "strong" user IDs and passwords that are easy to remember but hard for hackers to guess. The strongest have a combination of letters and numbers and are at least 10 characters long.
For online banking, choose ID's and passwords different from those you use for e-mail or social networking. Change your online banking password about every 90 days. If you remove a computer virus from your PC, immediately change your password.
5. Consider a separate computer solely for online banking or shopping. An older or basic PC used only for those purposes can help evade the malicious software often picked up from Web browsing, e-mailing, social networking or playing games.
6. Use computer security products from reputable companies. Read reviews from computer and consumer publications; choose products with high ratings for detecting problems and providing tech support for infected computers.
7. When shopping online, deal with reputable merchants and beware of unbelievably low prices. If you are unfamiliar with a merchant, check the Better Business Bureau Reliability Report on the business.
8. Avoid scams hiding behind online coupons. Web sites offering legitimate coupons will ask for your e-mail address, not personal, financial or payment information.
9. Be careful with cell phone banking software. When downloading mobile banking software, be wary, even if it displays a bank logo. Some may contain malicious software, giving hackers access to your account. To be safe, contact your bank before downloading banking applications to your cell phone.
Get answers to your questions each Friday from Jim Winsett, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Inc., which serves Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia. Submit questions to his attention by writing to Business Editor John Vass Jr., Chattanooga Times Free Press, P.O. Box 1447, Chattanooga, TN 37401-1447, or by e-mailing him at jvass@timesfreepress.com.