It used to be that in order to steal your money, a thief had to come in through a door or window. These days, some thieves just pick up the telephone and hope they can talk you out of your money.

Lawrence County Sheriff Tim Sexton said his office has received at least three complaints recently from people who were asked bank account information by a telephone solicitor.

The would-be victims have told authorities a man with a foreign accent called them and requested their bank account number.

"At this time, we are not aware of any person who has provided bank account numbers but we have had similar scams in the past," Sexton said.

The sheriff warned residents to never give out personal information to strangers over the phone and immediately report to authorities any instances where they are solicited in this manner.

In the past, area residents have reported instances where a caller has informed them they have won some sort of lottery but must pay "international taxes" before collecting their prize.