Police in Paris, Texas, have issued an alert warning local residents to beware of lottery scammers.
In recent weeks several residents have reported receiving calls informing them they have won large lottery prizes, but will need to send a payment to secure release of the funds.
The calls, made from an 876 area code, originate from Jamaica so the Paris Police Department is unable to investigate the matter.
Area Code 876 has a longstanding connection with lottery scams. Victims from many states have already lost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
"The key thing to remember is that if you didn't enter a lottery, you're not going to win that lottery," said Officer Curtis Garrett. "So be real careful about when they call giving out personal information."