Scam replies to "Want to buy" ads

[Adam Cotton]

Maybe this should go in the "Insect Trading Reports" section, but I think it is worth posting here to ensure it reaches a wider audience.

Late last night I posted an advert in the Insectnet Classifieds looking for pupae of Papilio machaon for my breeding research. I stated that I am looking for overwintering pupae for delivery in September/October.

Today I received the following very dodgy looking reply:

Hello Sir, thanks for the post. I was equally searching for a reliable and potential buyer of pupae of Papilio machaon. I am a professor working on insects now for 12 years. I rear many.
It is really an exciting experience but not really easy since once has to devote time.
I reside in North Africa and since you will will needing them in the
proceeding months; September.October, then we can make possible arrangement so as to avoid failure at the stipulated time.
So, let me know the expected number since i have to get my
workers/internship students to start the collection of the older
adults that will produce the number of pupae that you want.

Will be happy if i read from you soonest.
THANK.


If "bullpet bullpet" is genuinely a professor at an institution somewhere in North Africa my apologies, but this seems so suspicious I wanted to share it with the Insectnet forum and post a warning reminder that "Want to Buy" ads often result in scam replies.

Adam.

[wingedwishes]

I'd ask him what school he is affiliated with and then contact that school. ....

[lepidofrance]

Check the name or the mail adress on Google : it's often (not always) a good mean to learn more about the owner !

I do proceed alike each time I receive something (of course not with spams) from an unknowm person.

[prillbug2]

If this idiot is a professor at a University, then my cats are better educated. Avoid him.
Jeff Prill

[Adam Cotton]

Don't worry, didn't fool me for a minute, but I wanted to warn other members who post 'Want to buy' ads that they should be very cautious about any replies they may receive.

Jean-Marc, various Google searches based on his e-mail address and 'name' turned up nothing.

Adam.

[lepidofrance]

Dear Adam,

if "various Google searches based on his e-mail address and 'name' turned up nothing", it's almost an evidence that he his not an University professor !

Warm regards,
JM

[starlightcriminal]

Most definitely- it's a rare academic that is not online somewhere. Maybe more rare than a legitimate dealer from Cameroon.