ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) — Registered sex offenders are becoming targets in a new phone scam.

The Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office says sex offenders have been receiving calls from people claiming to be with law enforcement and threatening fines over non-compliance with gift cards that have specific dollar amounts.

Authorities say it’s extortion and add law enforcement agencies will never contact a registered sex offender to pay fines or fees by phone.