Citizens should be aware of a new phone scam currently circulating around the United States. If you receive a call from a suspicious person requesting a return call to a phone number beginning with area codes 809, 284 or 876, DO NOT CALL. The scam works as a lure to dial a number that reroutes the caller outside the U.S. or overseas, resulting in an alarmingly high phone bill.

This message may request the caller to inquire about winning a prize, obtaining information about a sick relative, etc. This scam may affect citizens with different telephone services across the country.

To prevent citizens from becoming victims of this new scam, the Sheriff’s Office encourages you to:

• Return calls to familiar numbers only. As a general rule, return calls from numbers that contain familiar or recognizable area codes. You may call your directory assistance or long distance operator to check the area code locations.

• Carefully read your telephone bill. Make sure that you only receive charges from your provider of choice. Ensure you thoroughly understand each charge and have authorized any additional charges.

If citizens receive a suspected scam message, they should delete the message and not return the call.