Tayside is being targeted by people looking to make money from illegal dog dealing, it has been claimed.
The Scottish SPCA pointed to a number of local adverts taken out by people who did not have a licence to buy and sell the animals.
Their investigators warned against people who claimed to be lonely after losing their pet and wanted a new dog.
The scam involves dealers obtaining an animal, often for free or at low cost, and selling it on at an inflated price.
'Commodity'
Another scam involves members of the public being offered a pet for free as long as they pay "transport costs".
The seller claims they are returning home to deal with a family emergency. However the animal does not exist.
SSPCA spokeswoman, Doreen Graham, said: "We're very concerned because the welfare of these animals could be severely compromised.
"The sad fact is that the person who placed the advert isn't interested in what dog they're getting because they're viewing it as a commodity to sell on.
"It may be that those involved are actually selling on a significant number of dogs every month."
Ms Graham urged anyone who had bought or sold a dog in such circumstances to contact the organisation.
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