The Benton County Sheriff’s Office is issuing an alert about check scams in the area.

Sheriff Troy Heck says deputies received reports of fake checks being mailed to senior citizens. The checks allegedly say they are winners of a lottery and should not pay money to cover related transaction fees.

Law enforcement verified the checks are forgery and will not pay any money to the "winners." The sheriff’s office says people should be suspicious of these checks and should not send money back.

Anyone receiving suspicious checks should contact the Benton County Sheriff’s Office at (320) 968-7201.