CLARION COUNTY, Pa. (EYT) — The Pennsylvania State Police are warning residents about online gift card scams affecting the area.

“Residents should use caution when communicating with unknown persons by various social media apps,” said Franklin-based State Police Tpr. Michelle McGee in a release issued Tuesday. “Recent investigations have revealed victims who purchased Amazon gift cards intended for an individual they had befriended online.”

“Upon purchasing the gift cards and sharing the codes, the individual could no longer be contacted.”

Tpr. McGee also said residents should be wary of individuals making third party sales or transactions on behalf of someone else.

“Deceptive practices are common on the Internet as users are fairly anonymous. As a reminder, do not give out personal information, agree to make a purchase for another person, or accept any checks from unknown parties,” Tpr. McGee continued.

To make an online Internet crime complaint, refer to the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center, www.ic3.gov.