Blue Russian Kitten Scam

Heya. I replied to a ad placed on au.catadoptions.com for a Blue Russian kitten for my mum. They advertised it as free and it had all the desirable health checks and vaccinations, micro chips. The ad was for the Mornington Peninsula, in Victoria, Australia.

Their email address is '[email protected]', and they went by the name 'doris pikinton'. I'd side eyed the whole no capital letters, but I do know people incapable of using the shift button so...

Greetings,

Thanks so much for the mail and your interest in regards to my
kittens.I have one male and one female kittens now available and they
are 11 weeks old, they have very good temperament with kids and other
house
hold pets,very playful and love to play around with toys and kids,they
are health guaranteed and AKC registered.they are update in all shots
and they will be coming along side with their health papers
and vet records as well as their feeding hand book. First i wish to
let you know that I am given these kittens out because i cannot corp
in breeding the kittens any more now that i found my new job .these
litter of kittens were six but i have already given four out for
adoption and now there are just two left.Before i give the
kittens out i always ensure that they are going to a home that is
eligible to take very good care of them and give them the love and
care that they deserve because all i want for the kittens is to be in
good health and always happy,well i am given the kittens for free
adoption after i must have been convince that you will take very good
care of the cat(kittens) that you want.. Like i said i want these
kittens to go to a home that will treat them with lots of love and
care and also keep me update on monthly progress by sending me
pictures of the kittens in the new environment just the way the other
owners are now doing. Please to begin i will like to ask you some
questions ok i will know your interest from the bellow questions.
Have you ever own a pet before
Do you have any kids ?
Have your ever own this breed of cat before?
Why are you interested on this breed?
Do you want to adopt one or both?
If you want one what sex are you interested in taking?
How soon do you need the kittens over?
Where are you located?
Do your kids love the coming of these kittens?
Sorry
for all the question , but i just want to be sure that the kittens are
going to the right home and they will be having all the love and
attention they need .Like i earlier said i am given them for free
adoption so that is the reason for all those questions ok..please get
back to me with the answers. waiting for your kind responds.

regards

I replied with all their answers. And they send back:

Hello ,
I am very happy to read from you so soon,sincerely i am impress
for your respond i will like to add some more qualities of the kittens
that was not mention in the previous mail i sent to you.
-they are house Trained .
-they are socialized with kids and other house hold pets
-they get angry when you shout at them, so don't do that.
-they are 11 Weeks old
-they barks when they sees strangers
they will be coming along side with all details of vaccination ,
de-wormed and microchip.Since we have made up our mine to let the baby
into to your home Can
you promise to us that the kitten will be well look after and you guys
will keep us
update with monthly pictures so we can know how the kitten is doing with you.
I just relocated to Adelaide, due to the mobile nature of my job
and i will be very happy if you can come
for the view but if you guys are not so close to us , we shall use the Pet
courier service and they will get the kitten delivered at your home
address that you will provide to me, i love the service of a delivery
company because they are so fast .After the registration i will provide you
the kitten registration number ok.remember i told you that the litter of
these kitties were six three of the kitties are in Melbourne and the where
delivered by this same courier
company so kindly send the delivery details as soon as possible ok.
Also i shall require all your details to do the change of ownership papers and
the details are as follow.

Full names........
House address..........
City.......................
Zip code..........................
..
Home number...................
Mobile number...................
Breed.......................
email address.............
As soon as i have the details , i shall prepare the change of ownershipi
papers before taking the kitten to the courier company for registration
and your home delivery . Do get back to me with the details so i can
prepare the change of ownership papers and do the delivery
registration with the Carrier... Thanks and i shall be waiting to read
from you soon..you will have to pay just $120 and that is directly to
the Currier company..And also I will send all the relevant paper works
via the
Currier service so you will be paying directly to them and not to me
because my main objective is for these kittens to have a lovely and
forever family.In the morning ok to hear from
the courier service and also to receive the kitten,so the $120 is for the
delivery of one kitten.
kittens also come with the following papers;
# Health guarantee
# Vaccine record
# AKC registration papers
# Microchip Registration
# Pedigree
# Nutrition supplement
# Traveling Crate
Regards and waiting for your kind respond.So including the delivery
you will have to pay $120 for one cat and $240 for two cats.

Then they mention moving to Adelaide and the shipping fee. By this time I had told my mum about this and she was very excited, and I didn't really want to disappoint her. And because I'm stupid.

Hi Doris,

I can absolutely promise that the kitten will be loved and well taken care of. The Pet Courier service sounds fine, what are they called and can I pay online (on their website for eg.)?

Full names:
House address:
City:
Zip code:
Home number:
Mobile number:
Breed: Russian Blue
Email address:

And to clarify, I am just asking for the male kitten.

My addressis as above:

Is there anything else you need?

Thank you so much, I am very looking forward to seeing him.

Regards,

And then I realised they had sent picture's of the kitten with their email. And because I was kinda weary about te whole money thing.. This is after I just gave them my name and address. :/

On second thought I think I will have to pass on this opportunity. I have just put your picture's through google and have found them on a seller's website originated in the UK.

I think this is a scam.

Their reply:

This very legit okay so everything is going to work out smoothly i assure you that like i said i have used the delivery service before they are very fast,legit and reliable so you don't need to be afraid as everything will be fine i promise you and in case of any inconvenience i will get the police informed okay please take my words this is real and legit you don't need to panic because you will definitely receive your kitten at your home address okay

Thanks
Waiting

Now I'm convinced, and have spoken to my friends about it so their advice was:

Send the kitten and I will pay you when it gets here.

Their reply:

Don't border yourself now i see where you are coming from that is very simple okay i care less about money because the welfare of my kittens mean a lot to me and also note that i am a well paid worker and can not rip off such a small amount of money from any body $120 is too small for a person like me to waste my time okay

And. I thought that was the end of that. But the saga continues at 8:13am a day later.

Hello Samantha and Good Morning! We just registered Brian at the courier including all his needs and health papers. This email is just to let you know that his delivery registration has been done and confirmed at the courier company and we were ask to pay for the registration and we were ask to transfer the money at the western union to their head office, Cameroon and we were told that you are to do just the same okay so all you need to do is to copy the courier company payment information below on a piece of paper and drive to the Western Union shop and transfer the $120.

RECEIVERS FIRST NAME CHUSINU
RECEIVERS LAST NAME CHAMDA EMMANUEL
DESTINATION COUNTRY CAMEROON
DESTINATION CODE 237
CITY TIKO
TEST QUESTION GOOD?
TEST ANSWER HEALTH

Here are some named Western Union Shops Around Your House

Directives On How To Transfer The Money Via Western Union Now
-Copy the above payment address on a piece of paper
-Drive to the nearest western union around your location
-Ask the western union agent to provide you with the international money transfer form
-The form is divided into two sections
-Fill the first section on form with your names and address as the sender of the money
-Also fill the second section on the form with the above payment details you copied as the receiver of the money in Cameroon
- This is very important, if the western union agents ask you why you are sending the money to Cameroon, just tell he or she on desk that you are sending the money for family purpose so that they will charge you extremely low of about $12. Don't mention anything like pet or courier company to the western union agents. This is because they will charge you very high of about $54. Avoid this and pay just a small transfer charge as explained above. When transferring Brian registration fee, we told them it's for family purpose and they charge us very low.
-Anything optional on the form do not bother to fill it
-On the form you may see the 1 minute transfer , 12 hours transfer and the 24hours transfer, you tick on the 1 minute transfer and hand the form the western union agent with the money
-You will be ask to pay the transfer charges
-You just pay it and the money will be transferred instantly
-A payment receipt will be given to you and do ask the western union agent to show you the 10 DIGIT M.T.C.N NUMBER.
-Walk out of the Western Union shop and call the agency and give them this number because that is Brian's DELIVERY ACTIVATION CODE to be use in activating his delivery this morning since he is at the courier company now ready for delivery this morning.

Call the courier company +23774806622 ask for the delivery director, Mr. James Clarkson for payment directives and advise before you go to the western union shop and transfer the money. All what we are telling you is what we were been ask to tell you so we are waiting for your email as soon as the CODE is obtain. Brian will arrive 11:30pm today. You have to make the payment early enough this morning for Brian's delivery to be activated early enough this morning so that he will arrive your home as early as possible okay. We are looking forward receiving pictures of Brian together with your family via email when he arrive today so that we shall see how happy/excited he is meeting you and your family on his first day okay. Everything is fine now.

Thanks
Waiting

But this morning I get two missed calls from +237 74806622 at around 9:30am.

I email back a couple of 'f*ck offs*. Wonder if they will reply.

Hello samanya, Welcome to Scamwarners and thanks for posting the email associated with this scam. The telephone number ,+23774806622 , is a mobile telephone in Cameroon, Africa.
Most of these pet scams originate in Cameroon and use the same general script that you have posted here.

Do you have any additional information on the fake shipping company such as a web page or email address?

If you do please post it here so that others searching for information on this scam.

If you have any additional questions please ask.

I just checked my Junk email folder and look what I found!

U-SHIP ANIMAL EXPRESS COURIER PET SERVICE - PET RELOCATION SPECIALIST WORKING WORLDWIDE

( ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - , VICTORIA)

CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER - +23774806622 <<< Mobile telephone in Cameroon, Africa. MW

Courier Pet Courier Service wishes to inform you that we have a Russian Blue Kitten registered here at our agency to be transported and delivered to the address below:

EXPECTED RECEIVING ADDRESS:


COUNTRY......................................... AUSTRALIA

RECEIVERS NAME .............................

CITY/COUNTY .................................

DELIVERY ADDRESS .........................

TELEPHONE NUMBERS........................


STATUS

BREED: RUSSIAN BLUE KITTEN
SEX : MALE
AGE : 11 WEEKS OLD
NAME : BRIAN
PET REGISTRATION NUMBER: 8010-04145V3AW871
SHIPPING TYPE: DOORSTEP DELIVERY
DEPARTURE TIME: PENDING
ARRIVAL : TODAY


POINTS TO NOTE:


RECEIVING ADDRESS RECEIVED
REGISTRATION # 74 / 76 / 30 / 98
MICRO CHIPPED CENSOR KIT / 978 / 00
PETS PAPERS CONFIRMED ( CHECK BELOW )
CRATE / CAGE NUMBER US / 42 / 43
ITEMS INCLUDED BOOKS, ETC
PAYMENT TERM / METHOD CASH TRANSFER
PAYMENT ADVICE CONTACT MANAGER BELOW FOR DETAILS
PAYMENT ADDRESS CHECK BELOW


DELIVERY TYPE ***** TOP/URGENT CLASS
PAYMENT CLASS REQUIRED **** CASH / WIRE TRANSFER


This kitten will come with all necessary papers needed, But as the city veterinarians must conduct another tests to be sure of his health, it was done and all was fine.


PAPERS INCLUDED:

Medical Inspection (Checked and Done)
Veterinary Certificate
De worm papers
Shot records
Health guarantee
Micro Chipped

PAYMENT STATUS :REQUIRED

1. CRATE NUMBER: **** 0042/43

THIS KITTEN HAS BEEN EXAMINED AND REGISTERED BUT IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT WE ARE NOT GOING TO PROCEED WITH THE DELIVERY AND RESERVATION AS ONLY A CHECK UP WAS MADE AND WE HAVE NOT YET RECEIVED ANY PAYMENT REGARDING RESERVATION , SO WE ARE EXPECTING YOU TO GET BACK TO US WITH THE - KITTEN - DELIVERY/ FEE OF $120.00 IT SHOULD ALSO BE NOTED THAT PAYMENT OF SUCH CATEGORY ( PREMIUM DELIVERY DOOR-TO-DOOR SERVICE ) IS DONE DIRECTLY TO THE HEAD QUARTER OF THIS AGENCY LOCATED CAMEROON FOR URGENT DELIVERY ACTIVATION OF THE KITTEN DELIVERY AND ALL DELIVERY SCHEDULE ISSUED THIS MORNING.

CASH TRANSFER / PAYMENT INFORMATION

RECEIVER'S FIRST NAME--------------------- CHUSINU

RECEIVER'S SECOND NAME--------- CHAMDA EMMANUEL

DESTINATION COUNTRY----------------CAMEROON

DESTINATION CODE--------------------237

CITY-------------------------------------- TIKO

ADDRESS-------------------------- 13 TIKO ROAD

TEST QUESTION------------------------- GOOD?

TEST ANSWER--------------------------- HEALTH


NOTE



PAYMENT ACTIVATION AND CONFIRMATION IS DONE ONLY WHEN THE

WESTERN

UNION PAYMENT RECEIPT IS HANDED OVER TO THE DELIVERY AGENT BY THE

RECEIVER OF THE

KITTEN, SO IF THE KITTEN ARRIVES AND YOU DO NOT HAND OVER

THE WESTERN

UNION PAYMENT

RECEIPT,

, THE KITTEN WILL NOT BE GIVEN TO YOU BECAUSE WITHOUT THE RECEIPT,

PAYMENT CAN NOT BE ACTIVATED.

WHERE TO LOCATE WESTERN UNION STORES IN YOUR AREA


DIRECTIVES OF WHAT YOU NEED TO DO AT THE WESTERN UNION SHOP


-Copy the cash transfer payment information on a small piece of paper
-Go to any of the above western union shops .
-Ask for an international sending form. On the form , you will find the receivers information .
-Fill in all those details above. You will also be required to fill in your own information as sender .
-Anything stated optional do not fill it , and you tick on the per minute transfer options
-When all is done, you hand in the cash.
-Money will be transferred and you shall be handed in return the transfer receipt
-On the transfer receipt, you will find the M.T.C.N Numbers (10 Digits).
-Get back to us through phone/email with the M.T.C.N numbers which is the activation code for the delivery of your kitten.



METHOD OF AVOIDING HIGH CHARGES AT THE WESTERN UNION


Advise Used When Making Payment By Western Union In Other To Avoid High Charges

-BUSINESS OR COMMERCIAL TRANSFER CHARGE COST $12


-FRIEND OR FAMILY TRANSFER CHARGE COST $54 WHICH IS REFUNDABLE ON ARRIVAL

( ADVISED TO USE THIS OPTION TO REDUCE TRANSFER CHARGE ) CALL US FOR THE ADVICE TO CHOOSE THIS OPTION.

USE THE FRIEND OR FAMILY TRANSFER TO AVOID HIGH CHARGES , SO IF YOU ARE ASK TO WHO AND WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS ?

YOU NEED NOT TO TELL THEM TO A COMPANY , FOR A KITTEN , OR COMMERCIAL TRANSFER BECAUSE IF YOU DO , YOU WILL BE CHARGE VERY HIGH.

SO TO AVOID THE HIGH CHARGES , IF YOU ARE ASK , YOU JUST LET THEM UNDERSTAND IS FAMILY OR RELATIVE TRANSFER AND YOU WILL BE CHARGE A VERY SMALL AMOUNT FOR THE TRANSFER CHARGES

SO YOU MAY JUST SAY TO YOUR VERY GOOD FRIEND AS A BIRTH DAY PRESENT AND YOU WILL BE CHARGE VERY LOW



Once payment is made, we shall activate delivery this morning and will get back to you with the tracking information number and the delivery ticket for the kitten.

NOTE

PAYMENT ACTIVATION AND CONFIRMATION IS DONE ONLY WHEN THE WESTERN
UNION PAYMENT RECEIPT IS HANDED OVER TO THE DELIVERY AGENT BY THE RECEIVER OF THE
KITTEN, SO IF THE KITTEN ARRIVES AND YOU DO NOT HAND OVER THE RECEIPT
, THE KITTEN WILL NOT BE GIVEN TO YOU BECAUSE WITHOUT THE PAYMENT RECEIPT,
PAYMENT CANT BE ACTIVATED

SO THE MONEY YOU ARE GOING TO PAY AT THE WESTERN UNION SHOP IS UNTOUCHABLE UNTIL YOU HAND OVER THE PAYMENT RECEIPT ON ARRIVAL OF YOUR KITTEN TODAY.


This kitten is registered under URGENT/PREMIUM delivery and after confirmation of address and charges paid, contact our manager via EMAIL and confirm payment by giving the M.T.C.N NUMBERS code from WESTERN UNION (10 DIGITS)

As soon as the payments is confirmed, the tracking number and delivery/t details of your kitten will be given to you as well as a delivery receipt so that in case anything happens you are 100% sure you get back your money.


BRANCH MANAGER,
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA
Mr. JAMES CLARKSON
File:Doug Liman Signature.svg
Service Numbers: +23774806622
( PREMIUM NUMBERS ONLY 24/7 ONLINE )

( PREMIUM NUMBERS ONLY 24/7 ONLINE )

U-SHIP EXPRESS COURIER SERVICE
Email : [email protected]
Website : http://www.uship.com

Mod edit
USHIP.COM is a legitimate company and they have no involvement with this scam.

All emails from the legitimate company will be from a uship.com email address. They never use a free email service to communicate with their clients.

From their website.

uShip is a neutral, third-party marketplace that brings together those with shipping needs and those who can meet those needs. uShip does not have storage facilities and is never in possession of your items.
Welcome to the Pet Courier customer service email provider for home delivery. U-ship Pet Courier Service has coordinated more pet moves with the airlines to more destinations than any other animal transportation service in World. In fact, we've safely moved over 42,000 animals since 1977. Whether your pet is a first time flyer or an experienced traveler, Safeway Pet Courier Service specialists provide individual attention.

Our pet moving specialists are pet owners themselves. They stay current with the changing requirements of the destinations they manage and create a custom itinerary that details every step for each animal being moved.
You're never more than a phone call or email away from someone who knows exactly what is needed to safely fly your pet to another location.

* We've been moving pets continuously longer than anyone else
* Endorsed & appointed by the I.A.T.A (Air Transport Association) since 1989
* 40 years experience in veterinary medicine
* Our destination-based protocols are updated continually.

I also just got another phone call from the same number, I answered it and let them pay the international call charges, didn't say anything. Haha.

Thank you for posting the information on the fake pet shipping company.

No problem. There are so truly awful people out there. Seriously, kitten scams? That's just low.

Should I be worried that they have my personal details? (name, address, phone number)

These criminals are after easy money, just ignore all emails and telephone calls and they will go away and look for another victim.

They may make a threat of legal action for pet abandonment which will just be another attempt to get money from you. You can not abandon something that was never in your possession.

Thank you so much for posting this! I thought something was funny about the pictures. 2 looked professional and the others had totally different environments. I came really close to believing them, but then I googled catadoption and google added the word "scam". I utilized the search and found your post. Mine wasn't a blue Russian but mine was a British Shorthair. It was exactly the same email though. I should have known as the name of the site is Catsadaoption.com which leads to http://www.kittensforadoption.us/. They wanted $300 for only the courier fee. My daughter is so disappointed. This is a special kind of evil.

Thank you scamwarners.com for existing and taking posts. I wish I could warn the world. I hate to think that some people fall for this further than I did and lose money.

Hello FayeTality,
Did they use the same email address? If a different address was used please post the first email along with the email address be sure to remove your personal information before posting.

catsadaoption.com does not exist. What's the correct spelling of the site name? Are they still claiming that the kittens are AKC registered?