(WSB Radio) -- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has issued a warning about a pet scam.

The fraud involves online ads or unsolicited e-mails that offer to sell and ship pets, such as puppies, birds and monkeys, from overseas and false claims that animals are being detained at the airport.

Airport spokeswoman Katena Carvajales says after the buyer "purchases" the pet, the "seller" requests additional money, frequently claiming that the pet is sick and is being held at the airport until it receives vaccinations needed to pass through customs.

"Unfortunately, we receive a few calls per week from honest people who have been scammed by these crooks. The Department of Aviation does not ship animals and does not have a facility that holds animals," said Carvajales.

"We advise consumers purchasing animals from overseas to request the 11-digit airway bill number to verify that the shipment has been booked on an international carrier before they make any payments."