The Knoxville Police Department warns community members to be aware of gift card scams during the holiday season.

The department reminds residents that gift cards are for gifts and not payments. Knoxville Police say that one of the best ways to identify these scams is if you are asked to provide the gift card’s information. The department adds that other common tactics scammers use include giving information about which gift card to buy and where and saying it’s an urgent matter to purchase the gift card. Residents are encouraged to only buy gift cards at stores they know and trust, inspect the card before purchasing it, and always keep a copy of the card and store receipt. Knoxville Police Chief Aaron Fuller says reputable businesses will not ask you for the numbers off a gift card you have purchased.

“No reputable company, no reputable business will have you go to Walmart or go to Dollar General wherever they sell gift cards and have you buy hundreds of dollars of gift cards and have you give them the number. It’s just not something that happens. It’s just not a way that a reputable business conducts business.”

Those that believe they have been a victim of a gift card scam are asked to contact the Knoxville Police Department.