Area law enforcement is warning clerks about a common scheme that has been attempted at two area Wal-Mart stores.

Captain Mike Sweeney tells KSAL News that last week, three black females convinced the clerk at Salina’s Wal-Mart, 2900 S. 9th, to activate $1,500 worth of gift cards with a register command – while using a debit card that was not valid.

Captain Sweeney added that scheme was also tried, but failed at the Wal-Mart in McPherson.

Police say the group is familiar with the inner workings of Wal-Mart registers and believe they are traveling around to other store locations with the same intentions.