Police issue warning about gift card scam

Suffolk County police have issued an advisory, warning residents about a recent phone scam involving gift cards.

Victims of the fraud reported to police that telephone calls were placed where callers claimed to be a family member in trouble, police said in an email alert. The callers then requested that iTunes and Target gift cards be purchased and the numbers be given to the scammer, police said in an email alert. 

Police ask that residents be wary of any such calls and to attempt to verify the identity of the caller, the advisory reads. Report any suspected incidents by calling 911.