The Census must go on
The Census is still planned for 2020.
It appears that many dates have slipped about two weeks, due to the Coronavirus shutdown. Many deadlines that were previously July 31 have now been pushed back to Aug. 14.
I’ve also received a few emails and calls from readers asking about a mailer they have received from the U.S. Census Bureau inviting them to participate online. The Census Bureau is encouraging those with access to a computer to participate online so there will be no need for someone to come to your door later.
The mailer comes in an official-looking envelope stating that your response is required by law. It also lacks a stamp but has a preprinted metered message that the postage and fees have been presorted and paid.
Another sign that the mailer is authentic: Even though in many instances it is addressed to “Resident,” it directs you to the official website and then provides you with your Census ID number. There are no links to click on and the website does have a prepopulated area to insert your ID number.
Bottom line: If you get snail mail from the Census Bureau inviting you to connect online, it appears to be official. Do not click on any links that might be sent to you either via text message or email, as those are likely phishing scams.
•••
RED CROSS IMPERSONATORS: The Red Cross is warning that individuals posing as Red Cross staff have been going to homes and telling residents that they are testing people for COVID-19. However, upon gaining entry to a person’s home, they either charge them for the (what turns out to be fake) COVID-19 test or rob them.
Bottom line: If someone comes to your house claiming to work for Red Cross and are authorized to do COVID-19 testing, turn them away and DO NOT let them into your home. If you feel threatened by these individuals, call your local law enforcement agency.
•••
BANKS URGE VIGILANCE: My bank (Wells Fargo), along with a couple of others, have sent out an email warning us to be on the lookout for suspicious email and text messages. That’s because bad people are trying to convince us to click on links, share sensitive information such as our user name and password or the ones that may impersonate a company, charity or government agency.
Wells Fargo has a policy that it will never ask customers for their personal information or login credentials in an email or text message.
•••
ABOUT FUNERAL EXPENSES … Direct Processing Center is mailing out misleading advertising for funeral expenses. The card states across the top that it is a “2020 Benefit Information For Idaho Citizens Only.”
The mailer says you’re entitled to receive no-cost information as a resident of Idaho and that it is important you know how to qualify for this benefit available to you. The benefit will pay 100% of all funeral expenses up to $35,000, which is tax free to Idaho residents.
The mailer asks for your name, home address, phone number, age, spouse’s age and spouse’s name. But here’s the catch: It is only a clever solicitation from a third-party insurance company designed to get you to believe that you’re entitled to up to $35,000 tax-free for funeral expenses, when what the company really wants to do is get your personal information so it can contact you directly about insurance products it’d like to sell you.
As the old adage says, if it’s too good to be true then it probably is. Do yourself a favor and ditch the pitch.
•••
A SIRIUS PLUG: If you’d like to get some unbiased information about the coronavirus and have access to Sirius FM satellite radio, check out channel 121. I no longer have a subscription to Sirius but discovered that I am still able to access this channel that provides some good information about the virus.
•••
Remember: I’m on your side.
•••
If you have encountered a consumer issue that you have questions about or think our readers should know about, please send me an email at terridickersonadvocate@gmail.com or call me at 208-274-4458. As The CDA Press Consumer Gal, I’m here to help. I’m a full-time copywriter working with businesses on marketing strategy, a columnist and a consumer advocate living in Coeur d’Alene.