Protect Your Social Security Number
The Social Security Administration local office has reported an increase in the number of suspicious calls being made to consumers in Wisconsin. The callers are attempting to get personal information from the consumers. In the last two weeks Social Security offices around the state have been getting an increasing number of concerned inquiries about identity theft. Medicare beneficiaries report getting cold calls from someone identifying themselves as a Social Security Administration employee. They are asking the person for confidential private information in order to "re-issue a Medicare Card" or other similar excuses. The number of complaints being received are significantly higher than the routine number regularly received. Residents are reminded to keep their Social Security number secure by keeping the number and card in a safe place to avoid loss or theft - don't carry the card with you. By not giving out the number unless there is specific need to do so; employer and financial institution need. If asked for your number, you should ask the person making the request why the number is needed, how will it be used and what happens if you refuse to provide the information.
2010 Census
The US Census will begin soon. To help prevent you from becoming a victim of fraud or identity theft, we are offering the following information. Census workers will be in the community in the coming weeks and it is possible that criminals will use this process as a means to attempt to get important information from citizens by impersonating Census workers. Here are some tips:
If in doubt about mail you receive about the Census, contact the area Census office to verify it is official.
U.S.Census workers will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag and a confidentiality notice. If in doubt, ask to see the identification badge before you answer any questions.
Do not invite anyone you don't know into your home.
Do not provide your Social Security number, credit card information, banking information or any other personal information to anyone even if they claim it is for the U.S. Census.
The only information needed is how many people reside at your address.
Anyone asking for donations or soliciting funds is not from the U.S. Census Bureau.
The Census Bureau is undertaking this nationwide effort on their own, without affilliation with any other group or organization and no worker identifying themselves with a group "working with the Census Bureau" should contact you.
You may be contacted by a worker via mail or phone. Verify the caller or the information you receive before providing answers.
No e-mail inquiries will be sent so anything you receive should be considered a scam and ignored.
Do not hesitate to call 911 if you are contacted by a suspicious person or see suspicious activity. Or, if someone contacts you and will not leave when you ask.
Disclaimer: This information is intended to be a service to the community as a means to forward information on crimes, incidents, emergencies or other events that might impact residents. It is not intended to replace available media sources. The timely provision of information is not guaranteed and viewers to this page are reminded to monitor local media for timely reports on any activity that might be of concern to the community.