BUFFALO TWP — Township police warn residents that phone scammers are falsely claiming to be members of the department seeking money.

Lt. Tim Derringer, officer-in-charge, said the scammers threaten jail time for people unless they pay money.

The scam involves having people send money to an account number apparently from the identification number on the back of iTunes gift cards.

Derringer said one victim lost $1,500.

He said residents receiving such calls to not give out any information and call 911 to request police respond in person for verification.