Big Island police are warning the public of a possible scam that asks people to cash checks for larger amounts and mail back the difference.

A Hilo couple, who advertised the sale of puppies on an online classified service, recently had been approached by a buyer offering to buy a puppy and sent a check for more than the selling price, police said.

The sellers were told to cash the check, deduct the price of the puppy, the cost of shipping, keeping $100 for their troubles and return the balance to the buyer, police said.

During the conversation, the buyer also solicited personal information and used a hearing impaired telephone relay service to call the seller on numerous occasions.

Police warn not to respond e-mails or phone calls from people requesting personal information, as the tactic is more than likely a scam — especially when being paid by check for an amount larger than the asking price of an item and to send back the remaining funds.