Local U.S. Navy personnel are being targeted in a financial scam that begins with someone asking to borrow their mobile phone, according to an alert from the Newport News Police Department.

Multiple individuals have approached Navy personnel, usually while in a vehicle. First they ask for directions and then request to use the victim’s cell phone. They claim their wallet is lost and want to use the victim’s cell phone to transfer money to a friend’s Cash App account.

This scam has allowed offenders to transfer thousands of dollars and apply for credit cards and loans, police said.

Anyone who is approached in this manner should simply walk away and not engage with these individuals. Those with relevant information should contact Newport News police, even if the information seems insignificant. Please call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or go to www.p3tips.com.