(KNZA)--The Brown County Sheriff's Office is warning residents to use caution regarding a series of yellow signs advertising “NEW INTERNET” that have appeared across the county.

In a statement, Brown County Sheriff John Merchant said he has spoken with local residents who raised concerns about the signs, which list only a phone number and no company name.

Merchant said he called the number and spoke with a person who told him signs were not supposed to be placed on utility poles or in highway and township right-of-ways. He was told the individual answering the phone only handles questions about the internet service and collects customer information.

The sheriff said he was given a separate number to address concerns about the placement of the signs, but reached an answering service and has not received a return call.

Residents have also reported seeing a smaller, dark-colored truck placing the signs and described the activity as suspicious.

Merchant noted that reputable companies typically notify local law enforcement when working in the area and provide information about their business, vehicles, and personnel. He said that has not happened in this case.In addition to concerns about where the signs have been posted, Merchant said the large number of signs placed throughout the county is unsightly and disturbing, particularly because they contain only vague information and no company identification.

At this time, Sheriff Merchant is urging residents to proceed very cautiously if considering contacting the “NEW INTERNET” service, citing several red flags regarding how the business is operating and the lack of clear identification.