2010 census......

[Bic]

We're all eagerly  expecting our 2010 Census forms sometime soon. As far as I'm concerned it seems like an excuse to spend even more money to 'help me out'

Can anyone direct me to a reputable source that clearly, and with legal references, explains which questions I am required BY LAW to answer?

[PegLeg45]

Completing the 2010 form

Can I fill the form out online?

No, not this time. We are experimenting with Internet response options for the future

What if I don't fill in the form?

Many residents who do not complete and return a 2010 Census form will receive a replacement form. If no form is mailed back, residents can expect a personal visit from a census taker some time after March 2010. The census taker will ask you the questions on the form, record your answers and then submit the form for your household. Learn more about the census taker.

What if I make a mistake on the form?

If you checked the wrong box, just draw a line through it and mark the correct box for the question. If the error is in a write-in box, carefully draw a line through the incorrect entry and write the correct information as close as possible to the entry.


What if I lose the form?

If you lost or misplaced your form, call the Telephone Questionnaire Assistance Center at 1-866-872-6868. (If you prefer a Spanish-speaking operator, then dial 1-866-928-2010.) The lines will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (your local time) seven days a week from February 25, 2010 through July 31, 2010. For the hearing-impaired, TDD 1-866-783-2010 (during the times noted above).

Do I have to fill the form in?

Yes. Respondents are required by law to answer all questions to the best of their ability.


What if I provide false information?

According to Title 13, Chapter 7, Subtitle 2, anyone who willfully gives an answer that is false could be fined up to $500.


http://2010.census.gov/2010census/how/questions.php


The Questions on the Form
One of the shortest forms in history - 10 Questions in 10 Minutes


http://2010.census.gov/2010census/how/interactive-form.php

[Bidah]

Do I have to fill the form in?

Yes. Respondents are required by law to answer all questions to the best of their ability.

Which law would that be?  I hear that one of the questions is they want your phone number.

-Bidah

[JSC3ATLCSO]

Which law would that be?  I hear that one of the questions is they want your phone number.

-Bidah

I'm guessing "THEY" have your phone number if they want it already.

[Rastus]

I'm guessing "THEY" have your phone number if they want it already.

I would think one of those $20 buck phones with a phone card would suffice as a number, eh?

[Sponsor]

[Solus]

I wouldn't be surprised if there are some transpositions in the last 4 digits of the phone number.  While the area code and exchange can be determined by the address, the last 4 cannot.

Transpositions are quite common and unintentional.  Be sure to double and triple check your last 4 digits because it would be difficult for them to verify them.

[fightingquaker13]

I wouldn't be surprised if there are some transpositions in the last 4 digits of the phone number.  While the area code and exchange can be determined by the address, the last 4 cannot.

Transpositions are quite common and unintentional.  Be sure to double and triple check your last 4 digits because it would be difficult for them to verify them.

What are you trying to prevent here? Prank calls from Joe Biden? They aleady know where you live. Being coy with the phone number seems rather pointless.
FQ13

[PegLeg45]

Which law would that be?  I hear that one of the questions is they want your phone number.

-Bidah

This is the best I could do....the other info was from the FAQ section of the Census website. I'm not advocating what one should/should not do one way or the other. Just trying to honestly answer the OP's question.

Basically, according to the Census Bureau, there are 10 questions (fewest in history, according to them)....


It's up to you to ultimately choose to answer or not.


U.S. Code, Title 13

Sec. 221. Refusal or neglect to answer questions; false answers

(a) Whoever, being over eighteen years of age refuses or willfully neglects, when requested by the Secretary, or by any other authorized officer or employee of the Department of Commerce or bureau or agency thereof acting under the instructions of the Secretary or authorized officer, to answer, to the best of his knowledge, any of the questions on any schedule submitted to him in connection with any census or survey provided for by subchapters I, II, IV, and V of chapter 5 of this title, applying to himself or to the family to which he belongs or is related, or to the farm or farms of which he or his family is the occupant, shall be fined not more than $100.

(b) Whoever, when answering questions described in subsection (a) of this section, and under the conditions or circumstances described in such subsection, willfully gives any answer that is false, shall be fined not more than $500. (c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, no person shall be compelled to disclose information relative to his religious beliefs or to membership in a religious body.http://www.megalaw.com/top/census.php

[Bic]

Thanks all,  I read somewhere that the only REQUIRED, i.e. liable to prosecution if not filled out, questions were address and number of residents........but I don't remember where, I'll try again.  MP

[Bic]

OK got it. I don't know how much credibility it has but:


http://washingtonpreppersnetwork.blogspot.com/2009/11/warning-about-2010-census-do-not-become.html





Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Warning about the 2010 Census - Do not become a victim!
2010 Census to Begin

WARNING: 2010 Census Cautions from the Better Business Bureau Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers by Susan Johnson

With the U.S. Census 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? BBB offers the following advice:

** 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 HOW 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. Any one asking for that information is NOT with the Census Bureau.

AND REMEMBER, THE CENSUS BUREAU HAS DECIDED NOT TO WORK WITH ACORN ON GATHERING THIS INFORMATION.. No Acorn worker should approach you saying he/she is with the Census Bureau.

Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census.

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

For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit www.bbb.org

PLEASE SHARE THIS INFO WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
Posted by Bill at 11:40 AM
Labels: Crime Prevention, Identity Theft and Fraud