KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- The Kissimmee Police Department is warning residents about a possible lost pet scam after a woman was contacted by a man who said he stole her dog.

The woman's dog disappeared on July 4 from a Kissimmee home and the dog's owner, Patricia Hamilton, posted flyers and took out ads trying to locate her missing Shih-Tzu,

Police said Hamilton received an email on July 9 from Philip Michael who said he stole her dog because he needed money for a family member with cancer. Michael told Hamilton he would return her dog if she gave him $400.

Hamilton told police she contacted Michael and offered the money, but said she wanted to see a photo of the dog. She never heard back from Michael and then contacted police.

We have no evidence that this person actually had Ms. Hamilton’s dog,” explained Kissimmee Police Department Public Information Officer. “We are just warning pet owners about this possible scam. Do not send the money if someone says they have your lost pet; contact the police immediately. Our detectives have contacted Petfinder who stated that they are posting warnings on their site about this possible scam.”

Hamilton's dog, Muttsey, is still missing.