Local residents may be the target of a telephone scam, according to a press release from Johnson County Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek.

The release said people have received phone calls from a computerized voice informing them of a low interest rate offer ending soon. The listeners are then prompted to “press 1” to lower their rates.

If done, “malicious software designed to data-mine the information” collects your financial details, Pulkrabek said. “This information is then used to commit financial crimes and identity theft.”

The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office also warned of continuing scams including fake bank examiners calling about an employee audit, “teller tests” that ask people to draw money out of a bank account, and the request for money from people who are told that their grandchild or loved one is in jail and needs bond.

— by Brian Albert