Scammers are targeting Smith County residents by posing as law enforcement officers and demanding money, according to local officials.

The Tyler Police Department has received several reports of suspects approaching the victim in a store or parking lot and stealing their wallets, debit cards or cash.

The suspects may drop cash in the store aisles and the parking lots, the police department said. When the victim picks it up and puts it in their wallet, the suspect will approach and tell the victim it is their money. Then, when the victim exposes their wallet, they or another suspect will steal the wallet or items from it, according to the TPD.

It is reported the suspects are also dropping cash by a register when they see that the victim has put their debit card in the machine. Then, when one suspect confronts the victim about the money, the other suspect takes the debit card from the machine.

Reports have been taken at Hobby Lobby and the Walmarts on 450 S SE Loop 323 and 3820 Hwy 64 W.

Contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000 with any information on these cases.