MANCHESTER, N.H. -- State police are warning Carroll County residents about a new telephone scam.

Police said residents have received calls from an adult man with a thick accent who tells whoever answers that they've won a lottery.

The man then asks for private banking information, such as account numbers and PINs. Police said the caller is always polite but never identifies himself.

Police said scam calls are common especially around this time of year. Some callers will solicit for charities that aren't registered by the state.

Anyone can check to see if a business is registered by checking the state's consumer Web site.