(KNZA)--Brown County Sheriff John Merchant is warning residents of a new scam circulating via e-mail.

In a release, Merchant said several county residents have reported receiving e-mails from what appears to be an individual soliciting money for surgeries or health care needs of their loved ones.  

The e-mails are coming from an address of choose2help.org, which an investigation reveals is based out Poland.  Merchant said the same e-mail has made it's way throughout many different countries and most of the United States.

He said it's considered as "SPAM" e-mail, which is sent for commercial purposes. While some  people view it as unethical, many businesses still use spam.

Regardless of its purpose or origin, Merchant says spam email should be recognized as a serious threat. Aside from the fact that it is extremely annoying, spam may contain malicious links or attachments and is often a vector for other serious attacks like phishing and malware.

Merchant reminds resident that if you are not familiar with who you are dealing with, not to open or reply to the e-mail.  He said one simply change can make the e-mail  address seem like one you are familiar with, but actually is an attempt to gain access to your computer or financial information.

You should contact your local law enforcement if you feel you have been a victim of a scam.