Updated June 14, 2019

Giles County businesses need to beware of scammers walking into the store and asks to use the phone to make an emergency call.

Shortly after the unknown scammer leaves, the business realizes phones are not ringing, which is strange for fast foods and local restaurants during the usual dinner rush.

When management calls the phone company, they learned that their phone line had been rerouted to an untraceable number.

Police in southern Tennessee and northern Alabama are looking for the scammers responsible.

How the scam works is when a scammer takes the phone, they dial a special number to reroute calls made to the restaurant.  So, when future customers call to make an order, the scammers pose as the business and collect credit card information.

One business owner said when they were aware of the situation they made sure their customers were both financially reimbursed and protected. The company has also taken steps with the phone company to prevent this from happening in the future, but they want to warn other businesses.

One recommendation to businesses was that if any non-employee needs to use the phone, management get involved and insert the phone number into the phone for that person. 

The scam has been attempted at several pizza locations.