Coaldale police are warning residents of an increase in phone scams and mail fraud.

The scams vary in nature, but most involve a suspect contacting the victim by phone and telling them they are the subject of a government investigation.The government agency they supposedly represent varies by the victim's location.The caller tells the victim they have to send money through various means to keep from being arrested.In some cases, suspects alter their caller identification display to be that of a governmental agency.Anyone receiving unsolicited calls demanding money, requesting personal information or computer access information should decline.People can follow up by contacting the agency, at a number they locate themselves, which the caller is supposedly representing.Victims of the scams should call local police to report the incident.