October 2009
Scammers constantly pose a threat to citizens, especially older citizens. The census undertaken by the federal government in the United States once every ten years can provide ample opportunities for identity theft scammers. Scammers pose as census workers to elicit personal information from unsuspecting victims. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is underway 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: 1. A badge
2. A handheld device
3. A Census Bureau canvas bag
4. A confidentiality notice
Ask to see their identification and badge before answering their questions. 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. The Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, but they will never ask for specific information as mentioned above, nor will they solicit donations.
Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail or in person at your home. However, they will NOT contact you by email, so be on the look out 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.
Do not be fearful; be aware and armed with knowledge.
Volunteer Opportunities:
South Plains Food Bank is looking for a volunteer(s) who can assist in the office on a regular assignment. The volunteer(s) will be needed on Mondays only from 1:00 – 5:00 pm. The volunteer will be answering a multi-line phone, occasionally helping with mailings, and possibly assisting with vouchers. If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity, please contact the RSVP office at 743-RSVP (7787).
Lubbock Lake Landmark is an archaeology and natural history preserve and educational unit of the Museum of Texas Tech University. Be a volunteer and spend a few hours at the Landmark during their most popular event, meet some terrific people, learn some new things and have fun assisting visitors! The Weekday Programs are Oct. 14-16 and 20-22, 9:30 am and 1:00 pm. The volunteers’ responsibility will be to escort groups between demonstration stops. Volunteers will assist in two-hour shifts, and training is on-the-job. Attire is casual but neat, and lunch is provided. The Weekend Programs are Sat. Oct. 17, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm and Sun. Oct 18, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Volunteers will assist the visitors with the following activities: spear-throwing, sand painting, mask making, corn husk dolls and more! If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity, please contact the RSVP office at 743-RSVP (7787).
To volunteer, or for more information about
these or other volunteer positions, please call the RSVP office at
743-7787.
HOW do I join RSVP?
Becoming a member of RSVP is simple as long as you are at least 55 and
have some time to volunteer. Just call the office at 743-77873 and chat
with Karon McDowell about your interests. If you are not certain
what you would like to do, we can mention several current volunteer
opportunities and send you a list of the sort of jobs which RSVP members
are presently doing to whet your appetite. If you have a special skill
or talent that you would like to utilize, we will search to find just
the right job for you. Just mail in the
enrollment form
(requires Adobe Reader) and we will call you!
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