Updated May 7, 2019

Giles County authorities are again warning residents of scammers and identity thieves posing as members of  law enforcement and asking for payment with gift cards.

Reports show that scammers are contacting residents by phone and posing as the police department and demand money to avoid higher fines or jail time. The department said those scammers have been requesting funds through gift cards and online financial services.

According to officials,  no government agency or reputable business will ever ask for payment with a gift card and lookout for those family members or friends you have who may not be tech savvy and unaware of what is going on.

People throughout the county have reported two to three calls each day in recent weeks, each threatening legal action.

The scammers seem to be using the phone numbers of other private citizens without their knowledge.

According to a Monday report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Tennessee lost more than $28 million to scams in 2018.