Sheriff Joseph N. Hanna announced Aug. 28 telephone scams are on the increase again throughout Lehigh County and the surrounding region.

According to a news release, citizens have reported receiving phone calls from persons representing themselves to be deputies, detectives and/or members of the Lehigh County Sheriff’s Office.

Hanna cautioned telephone scams artists are continuing to victimize citizens using various confidence schemes.

Hanna said the Lehigh County Sheriff’s Office does not request any monies for alleged fines, failure to appear for court or jury duty via telephone conversations.

The sheriff advises the public not to disclose their personal biographical information over the telephone.

This includes but is not limited to Social Security numbers, credit and/or debit card information, banking and/or checking account numbers, balance amounts and other financial details.

Citizens should not respond to specific locations that are requested by an individual over the telephone without first verifying the nature and authenticity of the request by law enforcement.

Citizens should also use extreme caution if any person requests their home address or place of residence over the telephone.

Citizens should make every effort to verify the origin and identity of the caller.

The public is reminded they can contact the Lehigh County Sheriff’s Office at 610-782-3175 during business hours, or the Lehigh County Communications Center 24 hours a day, at the non-emergency number at 610-437-5252.