(KNZA)--Brown County Sheriff John Merchant is warning residents of a pair of scams circulating locally.

Merchant said the Publishers Clearing House scam is ramping up again and residents are being contacted by people posing as representatives from
the direct marketing company.

Residents are being told that they have won millions of dollars and a new vehicle, but they have to pay a processing fee to get these prizes.

The caller is insistent that the residents provide their bank information so the prizes may be awarded.

Merchant said you will never be asked for this information by a credible caller.

A new scam is also being reported locally, with scammers calling landowners inquiring if their land or property is for sale and what it would take to purchase.

Individuals have reported that the calls come up unknown or blocked on their caller ID's.

Residents are being told that money can be transferred into their banking account immediately if they would agree to a price.

So far, Merchant says no one has been made a victim of this scam.

He said it appears that the caller is trying to get residents to provide their personal information so they can gain access to their financial information. The Sheriff reminds residents to never give out their banking or personal information to anyone.

If you feel you have been made a victim of this or any other scam, you should contact your local law enforcement at once.