The Hyacinth Macaw Scam

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Hello I'm New here! Joined: 10 Feb 2007 Posts: 1

Yesterday, I had a ridiculous amount of fun with a guy who reported to be at the St. Thomas Seminary, had two Hyacinth Macaws and needed to get rid of them because well...wait. Let me find the ad for you:

This is one of his ad's...
Hello we are of the St thomas seminary, we have a very nice loking handraised pair of hyacinth macaw that has been vet checked deworm are of a good temperamnet and has an excellent bn pedigree. these babies are well socialised and will get along with kids and other petsd. the most interesting aspect in them is their mastery of over 1000 English words each.They are well socialised and will get along with kids and other pets.Interesed adopters should get to us for more information
And drats. The other one has already been deleted from the ad source. Anyway, the guy said he had to go on a mission and couldn't care for his birds anymore...

Anyways, on with the correspondence. Good stuff. Just really good stuff.

Here's a bunch of email correspondence with this guy "Ferdi" who says that he and his wife are going on some trip with their church, so they have to get rid of their two Hyacinth Macaws. He's "giving" them to a good home. Just so you know, Hyacinths, just one sells for between 8500-13000 dollars here in the US.

First letter, me to him:

You are needing to get rid of your hyacinths? I'm interested. Please email me and tell me more about them and why you're getting rid of them. My name is Shannon and I live in Michigan.

Letter back from him:

Hello Shannon,thanks for the mail, well i,m located in FL, well shipping these babies to you in mechigan will not be any problem.Well i,m newly married, and my wife does,nt prefer a Bird as pet, she prefers a monkey.That is why i,m looking for any loving family to adopt this our precious babies. Infact we just need an adopter who is ready to spoil the babies with love and care.Arer you sure you are ready to spoil this babies with love and care. If so then you can get to us. Remember you will be responsible for their shipping from Florida to Mechigan.Have anice day, i will be looking forward to read from you asap.
God bless you
Ferdi

My next to him:

Actually, my Grandparents and my brother live there in Florida. Where are you guys at? They can just come and get them and they're coming up in a few weeks. They could just come up earlier or later depending on how it works out with you guys.

I do have a lot of experience with large birds. I currently own a Military Macaw and a Greenwing Macaw and they are spoiled beyond belief. So, we are probably the perfect home for your birds.

What kind of monkey are you guys getting?

Shannon

Him to me:

Hello Shannon, thanks for the mail,well i,m so happy you have much experience in keeping birds. i,ve actually been longing for an adopter like you.Well Shannon, we will be getting a capuchin monkey, but it is very expensive.Well i just hope you know how hyacinth macaw parrots are expensive. I want to believe you will give then just the best love and care need by them. They will come along with all their vet papers, a kid of toys and an albulm of pictures.When will they be coming .Well you wil have to wire me a token adoption fee of $400.00.You will have to wire the money via moneygram. Since it,s very close to me.please get to me with all your complete information. well i will prefer to ship these babies to you directly .As soon as you are ready, you can let me know.The pet carrier will comd and deliver her right at your home.I don,t want any body to hurt these babies.Don,t border, as soon as you pay the adoption token, i will pay for their shipping and get to you with the shipping details.Here is my address, please do well to wire trhe money via moneygram since it is closest to me.

Ferdinand Awah Mokoro
901 East Kennedy Boulevard,
Tampa, Florida 33602 USA
Phone (813) 864-34 (NOTICE the last 2 digits of his phone number have been conveniently left out)

Me to him:

Hi there,

I don't believe in shipping birds. Too many things can possibly go wrong. My grandma also has macaws, and before I give you any money I need for her to tell me that they exist and are really for adoption. She can come over and look at them. If they're there, healthy and in good shape, she'll hand you the money and take the birds. Then, she'll bring them home on her lap instead of shipping them. I think you can agree with me that shipping them in this weather (it's been below zero up here for two weeks) is just flat out dangerous. Having them ride in the car is much safer and we'll know that they won't be exposed to any cold temperatures.

I know that hyacinths are expensive. So are my other birds. But, if you're adopting them out, you'll want them to go to a good home. With all the scams out there these days, I just need to know that they are real and exist. Grandma seeing them and telling me they're ok is good enough for me. If she say's they're ok then she'll hand you 400 bucks on the spot, you keep it and you won't have to pay out anything for shipping. It's just cash in your pocket.

Thanks!

Shannon

Him to me:

hello shannon, thanks for the mail, well i understand, these babies have their temperature regulated cage.and i don,t think they wil have any problem with that. i know there are alot of scams out there, but remember there are still very honest people living in this world. Besieds you have my complete address.My wife has been over disturbed and will suspect i,m having a fishy game with any body who comes to visit me no matter how old.I, a very responsible man, and will never reap from where i did not sow.Remember, so many people are willing to adopt them.it is juast that you sound to have very much experience, that is why i have decided that you adopt them.Is Your grand ma a vet. it would have been preferable for you to ask of their vet .Shannon, remember i don,t know your grandma, i know just you in this transaction.So if you are really willing to adopt the babies go ahead and wire the money.Once you wire and send me the code, i will then i can be certain that you have adopted the babies.So when will that be possible.rememer these babies donot worth just $400.00.So i dont, see any reason for rsisting to wire the money.I havce an IT seminar over in Mechigan in 2 weeks.I can come along with the babies , but you will have to wire the money foirst so that i certain that you have adopted the babies.Waiting to hear from you now.
Thanks
Ferdi

Me to him:

Wait, so let me get this straight. You are less concerned for the welfare of the birds and more concerned that your wife will think you're having an affair with my 77 year old Grandmother? Ok. Interesting.

I'm not wiring you money without either my brother or my Grandmother seeing the birds. It's just that simple. If you want your birds to go to a good home, this isn't an unreasonable expectation.

And, you can't ship with the birds still in their cage. That's impossible. The birds would have to be removed from the cage and shipped, if that's what you're going to do, but as I've already said, I don't believe in shipping birds. It's dangerous, especially with the unreasonably cold temperatures we've been having.

So, can we see the birds or are you so hung up on money that you need it before we can see for proof that you're not trying to scam us? I'm not trying to be difficult you see, but I just want to assure that they are healthy and are ready to go.

And, no, Grandma isn't a vet. But she is a doctor.

Thank you

Shannon

Him to me:

Ok then when do you think will be possible for your grandma to call round?.The fact that i have disclosed my reason for restricting people from coming to my home does,t make me a fool ok.Note that if any other serious adopter contacts me before, then , i wil give the adopter the babies.
i don,t know why you can understand simple things. anywqay, please when the babies get to you i will like you to do me the favour not to change thier names.Rosa and Rex.
I,ve been insisting that you wire the money first because i want to see how mucth you can trust.If i did not truist you i would,nt have accepted ythat you adopt the babies.Get tome with your complete address, then. waiting to read from you now.
Thanks
Ferdi

Me to him:

I think you're a scam. That's why I'm requiring that my Grandma sees the birds first. She could come today, if that's soon enough. The interesting thing here is that you're willing to give up 18 thousand dollars worth of birds for 400 dollars. If that were true, you'd have to beat people away from your door with a stick.

It's not that I can't "understand" simple logic. What I don't understand is why you people keep scamming people. I know that by making you show us the birds before we give you money, you can't scam us. It's really not that hard to understand.

If she can't come over and see them today, then, frankly you're full of sh*it. If she can, (and she'll have my brother with her so that she's protected.) then I'll believe you, and gladly pay out the money.

If you come up with some concocted reason why she can't see them today, I'll know that you're full of it. And, just so you're aware, MIT isn't in Michigan. But...good try. It's in Massachusetts.

Just so you're aware, if this is a scam and you can't prove yourself, I'm turning over what I have to the Tampa authorities. I actually have a friend that's on Tampa's Police Department.

So...balls in your court. What time should they be there?

Him to Me: (LOL)

Thanks for all the insult, but i must disprove you. when will she be coming. i will wait for her all day long. or better still you can give me a ring b4 she comes. I will actually chase her with a stick as you,ve rightly proposed.Thanks for the insult once more.
God bless you
Ferdi

Me to him:

Well, since you coincidentally left out the last two digits of your phone number on this, I can't call you.

I'm just going to call it right here and call the Tampa police. Since I'm sure you don't actually live at the address that you provided.

I haven't insulted you, all I've done is ask that you prove yourself. You can't, so instead you choose to threaten my 77 year old Grandma. That's really nice, thanks.

You are a waste of oxygen. People like you need to pack up your things and head back to Cameroon where you came from. The internet has given you an open pathway to scam and hurt people who honestly want to give birds good homes. It makes me sick.

And...just so I can accomplish what you've accused me of with the insults...if your wife thinks you're having affairs with 77 year old women...you must be one ugly duck.

Have a great day!

Shannon

And him to me:

with your red anus.scam, thief, what parrot can you get for 400 . i will immidaitely report you to the police that you are some of those thieves who snuggle good into the Us.Coward

(that's actually all it said. It started out with "With your red anus." HAHAHAHA)

And, Me to him, final transimission...

Go for it. They'll see on my record that I've never been OUT of the US. Moron.

And, actually, there are a lot of people who are needing to find good homes for their parrots. Hence the reason that people sell them for cheap. Where you're from, I'm sure 400 bucks would re-roof your hut. Here, 400 bucks is what it costs to take those birds to the vet and get them treatment. Usually people who are giving their birds away have a lot of problems with them and need someone to assume the responsibility.

You're just a jackass looking for money. Instead of doing this with birds, you outta take pictures of all 53 of your little kids and ask for adoptions. Leave the poor birds out of it. Tell people that for 10 dollars a day, they can help feed your kids. You'll probably have better luck.

My red anus? That's all you can come up with? Jeez. You've got to learn your English, boy. There's a LOT better comebacks you can garner than RED ANUS. LOL How old are you? 15? If you want your scam to be believable, you're going to have to quit using internet language too. B4? LOL What, you can't afford school where you're from?

Call the police. I'm waiting for them to come take me away...

Hugs!

Shannon

Posted: Fri Feb 23, 2007 5:32 pm

Nice work, Shannon.

This butt-head is still advertising, only now the birds are Congo African Greys. I am on it! He hasn't tried the missing two-digits phone number trick yet, I'll see how it plays out...

Hello I'm New here! Joined: 08 Mar 2007 Posts: 1

look out for this one too, there are a lot of similarities.

MSG out
Do you still have the hyacinth macaw? if so where are you located and where are you headed on your pilgrimage? I am in germany and would love to take in your bird!
i haope to hear from you soon.

RE:
Hello ,
I am going to tell you a little about the bird that i are giving
out.She is a 14 months old female and vet checked,dewarmed, well socialised,of
good temperament and has an excellent pedigree. She is home
trained,She is very intellegent and will get along with kids and other pets in the
home.She is a talker bird and can say up to 200 words in english.Her name
is lili and i will like to ask you a favour,not to change her name when she gets to your home cuz she is already usedto her name and will feel at home when called
by her name.She is always out of the cage during the day and i ofteh take her
for a walk with h er on m y sholder.She only gets to her cage at night fall.The reason why we are giving her for free is cuz we got her also for
free from a priest in Rome. Besides,we will soon be leaving for a
pegrimige to Greece and there will be no one left to look after her while
we are away,so we have to look for a loving home for her where she will be
spoiled.She is current on her shuts and will come along with all pet
records and her kid of toys.Oh yes,she is for free and i am willing to
ship her. Well then,i will be looking forward to hear from you soon.
God Bless you
Rev Ranie

out
REV. Ranie,
I will have to talk to my wife again but I would absolutly LOVE to have Lili in our home. A hyacinth macaw is one of my absolut favorat birds and I would otherwise neve be able to have one, since on the open market they cost as much as my car. As soon as my wife gets home I will send another email to you and let you know. Is there any way you can sent me a photo of Lili? I would love to see her.
thank you much,

RE:
You do not have to boarder about going to a pet shop.I talked with the shipper and was told that she will be delivered to you at your home so you have nothing to worry about.But your complete address will be needed.They also told me that it will cost you 297 euro to have her delivered to you there in your home.I hope the address that you provided is your completre address.As soon as you have the money for thye shipping,you let me know so that i tell you how to go about it.
Once again,thank you for letting me know that you are going to spoil her when she gets to your home.Well then,i will be looking forward to hear from you soon.
God Bless you
Your friend
Rev Ranie

There are more emails but if I add them all it will be longer than the original post.
here is my scamers email too----->[email protected]

Hello I'm New here! Joined: 07 Mar 2007 Posts: 1

I think hearing the birds say some ridiculous phrase would definately be in order!

Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2007 9:43 pm

Hi Shannon. I found this ad in Juno's pet classified. It is so easy to be taken by these scammers. Especially if they are offering something you want real bad. I had the sense to have someone do some checking for me that is how I found this site. Here is the ad: Posted: Sunday Apr 8
Location: Dodge City, KS
Ad Type: Pets
Category: Other
Breed: capunchi,englishbull
Description:
hi there to every one out there
our church have a female baby capunchi monkey, 3 hyacinth macaws and 2 englishbulldogs ready for adoption, these pets have been with the church for a week now
they came about as some of our christians who were missionaries fellowshipping with us had to leave back to thier own jusrisdiction, some to west of africa and others to russia.
so according to the quarantine laws in those countries and the climatic conditions out there did not warrant them taking these pets along
so the pets were left behing with the church to set them up for a lovely and caring family that will stand as the adoptive parents for the pets
the pets are in good health condition and they are currently on shots, any interested family out there any where who can guarantee having any should contact the above church address for more bdetails and their pictures.this should be for families nthat fear the lord , inorderwards christains in respectfull of the faith inwhich they belong.
thanks
Contact: [email protected]

Also here is the correspondence between us:

Jeannie Morgan <[email protected]> wrote:
I just saw your ad for the Hyacinth Macaws and was wondering if you still
have them and if so how much are you asking for them each. I have 2
Macaws, 3 African Greys, 2 Amazons, and Cockatiels, Parakeets, Quaker
Parakeet, Canary, 2 Paroletts. I have been looking for a Hyacinth for a
long time. I will get one someday. Until then I keep looking. Thank You

hello there
well they are two reamaining for any good homes out there
we had three of them in church, but a family came for one.
we have just two of them
if we may ask
do u need the two or one of them?
get back to us , so that we will know whiich to make provissions for.
where are u located?
ARE U A CHRISTIAN?
OH just get back for more details and pics of this birds.
pleasee we shall refere u to read from the books of ROMANS CHAPTER 12 VERSE 10.
THANK AND STAY BLESSED
REV AMOS

Jeannie Morgan <[email protected]> wrote:
I am located in Monroe Mich. I have no way of coming to get them. I don't know if you would ship and how much it would cost. I would only have room for one. Sorry. If I had the room I would take both. Could you email me some pictures of them and how tame are they. Yes I am a Christian. I go to a United Brethern Church. What is the cost of the bird. That will be another deciding factor do I have enough money to buy him. I am on a very limited budget and this would be going off of it if he isn't to much. What are their temperments. Are they friendly. Any feather pluckers. What is their health. Will they need to be seen by a vet. I will think of some more questions will waiting to hear from you. Thanks Jeannie

dear MORGAN
what a surprise, do u know what just happened, a day ago, one of the birds were adopted in birmingham in central london, we were really pondering if u get along and ask for the two, then we should have put u into embarassement, but fortunately for us, GOD MADE EVERY THING POSSIBLE FOR US KEEPING U THAT ONE MUDDY AS SHE IS CALL BY NAME ,THIS COINCIDES WITH UR DEMAND
GLORY TO GOD MOST HIGH.
NEVRTHELESS, AS A PET LOVER AND AS A CHRISTIAN, WE HOPE THAT U MUST HAVE GONE THROUGH THE TEXT IN THE BIBLE WERE IT IS SaiD IN THE BOOKS OF ROMANS CHAPTER 12 VERS 10. THAT TALKS OF GOD BLESSINGS TO GOOD PEOPLE WHO LOVE AND TAKE CARTE OF PETS.
THAT WAS THE MAIN REASON WHY WE MENTIONED IN IN THE AD THAT OUR PETS GOES ONLY TO CHRISTIAN FAMILIES OUT THERE.
AS U CAN SEE, THE CHURCH WORKS OUT THIS FOLLOWING THE DIRECTIVES OF FATHER ZURICHE WHO IN SoME DAYS TO COME he will BE THE LORDSHIP IN THE ORTHODOX OF WEST AFRIC, HE WAS THE OWNER OF THE BIRDS, THEY WERE THREE OF THEM , TWO HAVE GONE OUT ALREADY. HE COULD NOT TAKE THESE BIRDS TO WEST OF AFRICA, BECOS OF THE CLIMATIC CONDITION, SO HE ASK US THE CHURCH WHICH HE WAS, WITHIN THE 5 YEARS MANDAT AS A MISSIONARY HERE IN SAINT ANGLICAN CHURCH.
with muddy, she is perfectly fine with all health registered papers and a one year healrth guarantee as she gets along
muddy is around 40 inches in length from the beak to the tip of the tail, and weighs about 2 to 3 pounds. and she can live beyond the age of 60 years depending on the quality of care it receives.muddy is affectionate by nature. she is easily trained and tend to bond strongly with her human caregivers. muddy has a solid, deep shade of blue, with bright yellow patches around the eyes and beak.
couple with her exercise,she has a wingspan of 4 feet, so she must be given adequate time to exercise and room for a good stretch. It is a good idea to give muddy of 1-2 hours of time on a playgym or other safe area per day to maintain her muscles. muddy also need to chew to maintain her beak and jaws.
oh i think, having muddy will give ur familiy a great joy.
but there is one conditionality for the adoption, here it goes;
u need to prove to us u will take care and love her most as a true pet lover.
we take care of all shipping and handling charges for the bird including the insuarnace bill..
this will be bond to the church, all what the father zuriche needs from the church is to locate his birds to nice families that will care and love them, but the only expense here for the adoptive parents shall be 300 dolars, which shall be paid in two instalment
ie first shall be half of it which is 150
second part shall be paid as on recieving of muddy.
but for her cage, sending her with a cage will entail u a cost for that, but if u prefere the church to send one which after u will recieve and send it back, then we shall do that, but if u want us to buy one from this end then we shall.
what do u think about that ?.
PLEASEE , U NEED TO GET TO US FOR OTHER DETAILS ABOUT ADOPTING MUDDY IMMEDIATELY PLEASE.
URGENCCY SHALL BE IMPERATIVE.
LETS SHARE IN THE GOSPELT /READ FROM THER BOOKS OF DEUTERONOMY 11? VERSES19-21, exodus chapter 23;25-26 and proverbs1,;8-9.
thanks for ur time and get back to us immediately
stay blessed in the lord

Jeannie Morgan <[email protected]> wrote:
Yes I will take Muddy. Am I really getting a Hyacinth. Is she really only going to cost $300. This is all to good to be true isn't it. Is my dream finally coming true. Do you take money orders. How will you ship her. By plane or USPS. I just go a peacock and he was shipped by USPS. I will get a cage for her. I need an address to send the money to. I belong to a bird club, Northwest Ohis Bird Club. Micki Keck is president. You can email her to confirm that I am a pet lover. [email protected]. Attached are some picture of my pets. What kind of diet is she on ( what does she eat). I will ask more latter I want this to get to you before Muddy goes to someone else. Thank you very much Jeannie

bethren in the lord
well there is this proposal we have just thaught of
see, the family that has been keeping the birds since the day father zuriche left for africa, they got a beautiful cage they were using for their keeping, the parents of that family who are the chief priest in the session, made the church to understand that, they give out their cage at a very moderate price along as the bird will be getting along.
they made a price which is the modest .
so we socumed to that suggestion, may be as they bird gets along, it shall serve u ur doolars for other purposed instead of getting another one there which will be costly.
what do u think of about that? THIS CAGE IS MADE OF STAINLESS STEEEL.
FATHER AMOS COMMUNICATED WITH father zuriche in west of africa, as on this issue of sending the last of all the birds he had, to a family out there, he was so happy about it, but he loves to know about ur family profile as christianity is concern, we made him to know that muddy is getting to some one who loves keeping pets, infact a trues pet lover.
ur last mail with those pics was forwarded to him.
pleasee he shall need ur number too, pleasee give us ur number so that we can hand it over to father zuriche, he loves talking to u personally about THE GRACE TOO.
UR NUMBER IS IMPERATIVE
AS FOR NOW we have every health and adoption papers ready for this, what is pending now are the shipping and handling registration papers, but this is base onh
ur full names
detail house or street adress
fax number
nearest airport to ur home.
so pleasee lkets treat this with urgency which is very imperative.
MORGAN, this bird comes along with some palying accessories and other vitals for her jesture. she comes by plane. tghis shipoping will be from east nortingham airport.
u must give us ur schedule as conern work and leisure time when u shall be free, this will enable us program for the departure time and arrivin*d time that coincide with ur free time, this facilitate the pickup..
pleasee we need to treat this as a mater of urgency, let us know of ur program and shedule this week.
give to us ur number so that we shall be keeping u current of every aspect.
please get back to us immediately for confirmation.
stay blessd and may GOD SHOWER U WITH ABUNDANT GRACE

BETHEREN
PLEASEE GET BACK TO US AS SOONEST AS POSSIBLE LETS GET OVER ALL THIS ISSSUES THIS WAY.
WE NEED UR NUMBER FOR SUBSIQUENT CALLS AS WE UNFOLD OTHER REGISTRATION ISSUES.
THANKS

Jeannie Morgan <[email protected]> wrote:
I have a few more questions and if you are honest in anyway you will bear with me. First I am getting a funny feeling that this is not on the up and up and that you don't even have a bird. If this is an honest to goodness deal, there is a bird and I will be getting said bird I want it. But if you are out to just get my money and there is no bird or you don't even send a Hyacinth but something else in its place, well. You are going to have to prove youself. I am sorry but there are people out there that use the Lord to cheat unsuspecting people. If you are truely honest you will understand. That said I what to know more about the bird. How old is it. Does it have an open band or closed band. Was it DNA'd for sex(male or female) and does it have papers to prove what sex it is. What kind of diet is it on pellet or seed or a mix. Do you have more pictures of it I could see. Has the wings been clipped or is it full flighted. If this is going to be an honest deal I will get the bird. Who named the bird Muddy anyway. How much more will it be for the cage. I don't give out my phone number to anyone. I don't like phones and do not use them. Depending on your answers this will all have to be done by email. You seem to be getting in a real big hurry all of a sudden. Waiting your reply to go on from here. I am not backing out I want to make sure this is an honest deal and I won't get scamed. Like I said if you are any kind of honest and this is an honest deal you will understand. Jeannie Morgan

hello
what a surprising believe, pleasee we are so embarassed of ur thaughts , what a thing, it is unbelievable.
that seems u are taking us for a scam,this could be misunderstood for another dimension here.
infact we are so surprise and we think here that if u are so skeptical of having muddy as a pet ,then we think u should not stress up urself so much contemplating over matters that is so unpleasant, how can u think of such, people using the name of GOD TO do terrible things as such, it means u take this church for .......;muddy feeds on 8 species of palm nuts, which are rich in nutrients and fat. Two of the species of plam trees are Acrocomia iasiopatha and Astryocaryun tucuma. she is largely dependent on palm nuts, but will occasionally feed on small seeds, palm sprouts and snails. Most of the feeding occurs on the ground, muddy use her ability to climb to pick palm nuts from clusters within her cage or around where she harbours.
any way, pleasee we think here that, it sems u are taking the church for another thing else
what barvles alot here is that u take us for those scams out there.
what a thing.
nevermind
just get to the pics below and we shall get to u with all details if ..........
thanks for that
stay blessed in the lord

The last email I sent them I haven't gotten a reply. I asked them why they were getting so upset about. I said that they haven't answered any of my questions. I ask if the bird had DNA papers to prove it's sex, I asked age, what it's diet was, was it opened or closed banded if it had a leg band, were the wings clipped and for fun I ask if the bird had S.A.T. papers. They sent pictures of the bird which I asked for. The first 2 were of the same bird that looked like was in an outside avairy. The next 2 were 2 different birds that looked like they were in a zoo or park like Bush Gardens. This one sounds so much like the one you found. I wonder if they could be the same people. Just you might want to see this one. Jeannie