It seems as though as soon as the public becomes aware of one particular phone scam, another one pops up.

Tamaqua residents are now fielding calls supposedly from UPS concerning a package that has been unclaimed.The caller says the package has been at the UPS center for several weeks and will be returned if he/she doesn't get the proper information, like your name and address. The phone calls, for those with caller I.D., come from an 876 area code number. Authorities say that area code is linked to international calls, especially from Jamaica, and speaking to the caller or providing them with information could result in astronomical long distance charges on your phone bill. Giving them personal information will most likely result in your identity being stolen.Here are some tips to help you avoid being scammed.If you get a call saying you're a winner, don't pay any money to collect supposed sweepstakes winnings. Legitimate operations won't require you to pay to collectIt's against federal law to play a foreign lottery, so if you get a call, it is likely a scam.Never wire money to anyone with whom you are not familiar.Never provide anyone with personal information such as bank accounts, pin numbers or Social Security numbers.Check any unfamiliar area codes before returning calls.Be aware that there are many three-digit area codes that connect callers to international telephone numbers, especially 876.If you do not have Caller ID, consider adding it to your phone service. Caller ID allows you to add a Call Intercept feature that screens calls and offers the option to reject suspicious international calls.If you do not make international calls, ask your telephone provider to block outgoing international calls.Contact your phone service provider, local authorities, or the Federal Trade Commission to report a potential scam.