Calhoun residents have been receiving telephone rip-offs.

Telemarketing fraud is a multi-billion dollar business in the United States, and Calhoun with an ever-growing number of seniors, is a good target.

Sometimes, the result is the loss of a few dollars, a checking account, but sometimes - life savings.

The Herald has reported on door-to-door scams, where a product or service is sold for an exorbitant amount of money with little or no product or service delivered.

A recent example, a meat company which packages meat products in super-thin packages inside large boxes.

Recent scam calls have told local citizens they have won $5,000 from a private or government program, and the scammer needs a bank account number to make the deposit.

Preying on the lonely, calling over several days to build a relationship, is not uncommon.

The scam artist promises free gifts, prizes, or vacations — or the "investment of a lifetime."

Some scams request money for charitable causes, "worthwhile" organizations and needy victims.

While there are legitimate requests for donations, many of the fund-raising calls originating from telemarketing firms contribute a very small percentage to the group.

Donors need to check it out first.