JACKSON, Miss. --
Many area street vendors are trying to cash in from last-minute Valentine's Day shoppers.
Jackson police say they've been cracking down this week on anyone trying to sell gifts without the proper paperwork, but shoppers need to be careful or they could be held accountable.
If you waited until the last minute, there's still time to impress your valentine.But Jackson police want to make sure your show of affection isn't boosting illegal sales.
JPD said residents called authorities, asking them to check on the legitimacy of local vendors. They're worried about scam artists.
"They are a problem to local businesses, who's actually selling the same merchandise as them, but at the same, they felt like these vendors weren't paying any taxes," said JPD spokeswoman Colendula Green.
Police can take away merchandise from illegal vendors, arrest them, or give them a citation, but buyers could end up in trouble too.
If you buy from a bogus vendor, you could get charged with a misdemeanor. As customers make last-minute shopping decisions, police say know your vendor.
Police have been stopping by one business as often as every 30 minutes to check to see their license. Buyers should check to see if there's a seal of the City of Jackson on it, to make sure it's authentic.
But 16 WAPT found some businesses who stayed open without the paperwork. Ginger Bryant said her sale proceeds go to the VFW.
"I ain't got it with me, but we had Bingo earlier, today's Sunday, and um, they know that it's the organization," said Bryant.
Phoebe Epps said she's been selling baskets for decades and it's worth the time it takes to obey the law.
"The best thing to do is do right and just take the 20 minutes out and get your license," said Epps.
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