A local resident found $33 of illicit charges on his phone bill after falling for an Internet scam last month.

He said he got an e-mail about a contest for a $1,000 gift card from Wal-Mart. His wife clicked a link to a Web site, where she provided her e-mail address and phone number.

Several months later, the couple's phone bill came with the additional charges. About $20 were listed for the Christian Living Ministry Membership Fee, while another $13 went to miscellaneous expenses.

Capt. Cal Mitts of Coos Bay Police Department said it's common for scams to ask for debit card information or phone numbers. Internet users should be cautious when receiving e-mails from unknown senders.