With deregulation in the telecommunication industry, it seems everyone can gain access to telephone numbers in the U.S. and abroad, and many are using the easy access to scam individuals and businesses out of personal information, their money and in some cases their identity.

A couple of more apparent “phone scams” have been reported in recent weeks locally and businesses and individuals are urged to use caution when contacted by anyone they specifically don’t know or recognize. Also with the holiday period upon us, unscrupulous scammers tend to increase.

One apparent marketing scam has reportedly been targeting local businesses claiming they are affiliated with Clinton County High School athletics programs. Reportedly, the caller asks for the business owner’s credit card number and even specifically mentions the names of CCHS employees.

Business owners are advised to use caution and if they receive a phone call of this nature that mentions Clinton County High School or any of its employees or programs, they should call the high school at 387-5569, or contact the Kentucky State Police.

A second reported scam in recent days has involved the local hospital.

Some individuals in the area have received calls from the telephone number 1-866-218-7985 claiming to be Clinton County Hospital.

These calls are not from the local hospital and is also a scam that has apparently reached several states. It is theorized the calls may be originating from overseas countries.

If you receive any calls of this nature, do not give out any personal information and contact local law enforcement or the KSP toll-free hotline at 1-800-222-5555.