(St. George, Utah) - It's time for the 2010 census. In the next few months, all residences in the United States will receive a form in the mail from the US Census Bureau, asking for information about you and your family the only problem is that the process gives a perfect opportunity to scam artists.

Chief Deputy Rob Tersigni of the Washington County Sheriff Office says that educating yourself about Census Bureau procedures will help prevent you from becoming a victim to fraud.

Its important to know that the Census Bureau does NOT conduct the 2010 Census through email or the Internet. Even though you may receive an emailed survey from the Census Bureau, they do not and will not request detailed personal information by email. They do not send any emails requesting PIN codes, passwords, social security numbers or similar access information for credit cards, banks or other financial accounts. The 2010 Census does not collect any information about your taxes or income.

If you do receive an email which you believe is a scam, visit the Census Bureau website for information on how to report Census fraud. Tersigni says it is important to be aware of these types of scams so that you do not become of a victim of identity theft.
For more information go to 2010.census.gov
or call the Washington County Sheriffs Office at (435) 656-6500