New Hampshire Attorney General Peter Heed today issued a warning to consumers to be extremely careful about a new telemarketing scam that appears to be targeting New Hampshire citizens.

According to Attorney General Heed, elderly consumers are receiving telephone calls from individuals identifying themselves as working for "VISA Security." These callers are asking consumers for their checking account numbers and Social Security Numbers claiming they are working on some security issues. "The Consumer Protection Bureau has received calls from elderly consumers who have been receiving these requests. Unfortunately, one citizen did provide her personal information."

The Attorney General's Office offers the following tips to consumers receiving telemarketing calls:

1. Always question the legitimacy of any telephone call you receive, especially when the phone call is not initiated by the consumer.

2. Never give out personal information without knowing to whom you are giving this information and what will be done with it.

3. Be especially cautious about providing your Social Security Number and bank account numbers.

Prior to providing anyone this information over the telephone, consumers should contact the Consumer Protection Bureau, the Better Business Bureau or the business that is claiming ownership of the telephone call to determine the legitimacy of the call and of the business.

If consumers receive such telephone calls, they are requested to contact the New Hampshire Consumer Protection Bureau at 271-3641. Consumers with more questions can also visit the Bureau's website at www.state.nh.us/nhdoj.