With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau 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 underway and 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 primary question is this: How can you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a "con artist"? The Better Business Bureau offers the following advice:

• If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, he or she will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice.
• Ask to see his or her identification and badge before answering any questions. It is not advisable, however, to invite anyone you do not know into your home.
• Census workers currently are knocking on doors only to verify address information.
• Do not give your Social Security number, credit card, or banking information to anyone, even if he or she claims to require it for the U.S. Census.
• While the Census Bureau may ask for basic financial information, such as your salary range, you are not required to answer any questions about your financial status.
• The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations. Anyone asking for such information is not with the U.S. Census Bureau.
• Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, they will not contact you by e-mail. Do not click on a link or open any attachments in an e-mail that appears to be from the U.S. Census Bureau.

You can get more information about avoiding identity theft and fraud at the Better Business Bureau web site.