The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) has warned that bogus inspectors have been taking pets from homes.
The SSPCA has warned Scottish communities, including Ayrshire residents, to be vigilant following a number of incidents of fraudsters trying to remove animals from their homes.
The callous tricksters are using a white van with Scottish SPCA stickers on it.
But officials say that SSPCA vans are predominantly black with the charity's branding.
Genuine inspectors will be able to produce photographic ID and will be happy to provide residents with their vehicle registration.
Residents are being told today that if they are at all unsure about someone who comes to their door, please ask them to wait outside and call the charity immediately. Inspectors will respect residents' need to do this.
Reports of incidents in the Renfrewshire and Perthshire areas have promoted officials to ask everyone to be vigilant.
Chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “We are very concerned for the welfare of the animals who have been taken by people posing as the Scottish SPCA.
“Our thoughts are with the owners as this must be incredibly distressing for them.
“First and foremost, we would urge anyone who has experienced this to get directly in touch with us. We will then notify Police Scotland who can investigate this fraudulent behaviour.
“We believe the person/s to be in a white van with a Scottish SPCA sticker on it. Our vans are predominantly black with Scottish SPCA branding.
“Our inspectors will always be in uniform and will be able to provide identification badges with a photo and authorisation. Our inspectors will also be happy to provide you with vehicle registration.
“If you are at all unsure about someone who comes to your door as the Scottish SPCA then ask them to wait outside and call us immediately. Our inspectors will respect your need to do this.
“If anyone can provide any more information on this then please contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
