Local telephone scams are targeting the elderly. Wetzel Sheriff James Hoskins advises locally the elderly are getting phone calls which request bank account information as part of an operation to obtain bank funds illegally. Hoskins says someone claiming to be a representative of the Social Security Administration calls an elderly person, offering medical services such as free hearing aids or other needs. Then a request is made for banking account numbers to verify the person’s income and checking account information. One local victim, according to Hoskins, called the Social Security information number and confirmed that they had no one making any sort of calls of this nature and they would never ask for banking information over the phone. Those who have elderly parents must be particularly vigilant in safeguarding their elder loved ones’ personal financial information. Hoskins suggests that everyone should remind the elderly to never give account information to a stranger, whether it is over the phone, by mail, or in person. “It’s unfortunate that someone would take advantage of the elderly this way,” said Sheriff Hoskins. Sometimes in the hopes of getting something free or at a discount, the elderly fall victim to those who would capitalize on their confusion or lack of cautious judgement. If anyone receives such a call or is approached by anyone asking for bank account information or Social Security numbers, please contact any law enforcement officer: County Sheriff, 455-2430; New Martinsville Police, 455-1900; State Police (Hundred), 775-4488; State Police (Paden City), 455-0913.