Authorities across the area are warning Lawrence County and other residents about 2 different phone scams. People have reported receiving call on both land lines and cell phones indicating that their Social Security number or numbers have been cancelled and are no longer valid. They are then asked for the number to verify that it is invalid. This is a scam. The Social Security Administration never contacts anyone by phone, only by mail. Local Ameren customers have been getting calls for a person claiming to be a representative of the company saying that they will have their service disconnected without immediate payment of their bill by prepaid debit card. This is also a scam. Ameren officials say that is not their business practice and that the disconnection moratorium on residential customers has been extended until March 31st, 2021. Anyone receiving these type of calls should contact either the company or law enforcement. Residents are also cautioned to stay safe and vigilent when shopping online during the holidays as increased online traffic makes it more lucrative for cyber thieves to trick buyers into scams and steal their personal information for financial gain.