Try a Reverse Phone Lookup if You Receive a Questionable Census Call in 2010

In an article regarding the 2010 Census, CNN warned there will likely be several e-mail scams asking people for critical information. The Census Bureau which does not request personal information via e-mail, and expects some scams to request information such as credit card numbers, social security number, and banking passwords. Increasing activity during times such as tax season, when people are either looking for advice or are filling out multiple forms, cyber criminals have gotten much better at appearing legitimate. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, online theft has also affected corporate data as well, where as of September 22, there were 379 data breaches reported in 2009. As cyber criminals experiment with different techniques, including the use of phones and cell phones, distinguishing between something legitimate and illegitimate may become more difficult.

To prevent yourself from falling for something fake, there are a variety of measures you can take. Michael Kaiser of the National Cyber Security Alliance suggests asking yourself why a company would need your Social Security number before filling out something online. While there are certainly times when you may need to supply a social security number, the idea of being skeptical in instances that may appear illegitimate is valid. One way to investigate a potential scam is to perform a reverse phone lookup. A reverse phone lookup, especially during instances when you receive a phone call, can give you key insight into the source of a call. Another suggestion is to periodically search for yourself throughout several search engines. Many people are surprised at the amount information they publicly list, which, when coupled with data such as a social security number or credit card, can wreak havoc on your life.

Distinguishing between something legitimate and illegitimate is and will remain difficult. Investigating a questionable call or e-mail by checking out a cell phone directory is quick way to protect yourself and can save you countless hours of frustration and expense.