[NHCOLL-L:4329] Fraudulent requests for specimen donations from nonexistent musuem in India

[Herrera, Joan]

I received the following email requesting the donation of specimens.
Upon further investigation, I have learned that the museum does not
exist and that this party is soliciting specimens in order to sell them
for profit.

> First of all, I would like to give you my own introduction. I am Dr.
> Shaikh Taufique Rehman, Director of the Museum and The Museum of
> Life-Science is an Educational and Scientific Research Institution in
> Northern India.Besides the research activities, we also teach
> extensive courses in world Zoology whereby every students can have a
> comprehensive knowledge of the World Zoological Fauna before
> obtaining a Master of Science Degree in Zoology. Our Museum is also
> open, Free of Fee ,for general public so that they could understand
> about the Animals world.
> 
> Presently, we have displayed an extensive collections of
> Amphibians,Reptiles,Fishes, Mammals and Invertebrates specimens. 
> Total 2387 specimens.
> 
> For Taxonomical representation, we are in need of some of the 
> following Preserved Fish specimens which could be useful to the
> present and future generations for the generic and families 
> representations at our collections & for our B.Sc. & M.Sc. Zoology 
> students .We would highly appreciate to receive the following 
> Preserved specimens from you ,with data ,as per availablity in your 
> collection:
> 
> Lepisosteus osseus, 8"-12" Size... Preserved...5 Specimens 
> Lepisosteus platostomus do- ... do- ...3 specimens Lepisosteus
> spathula ... do- ... do- ...3 specimens Amia calva;Bow-fin, Male..do-
> ... do- ...3 specimens Petromyzon marinus,Sea Lamprey ,Adult... do-
> ...5 specimens Ichthyomyzon sps.. do- ... do- ...2 specimens Myxine
> glutinosa do- ... do- ...3 specimen Ammocoetes larvae ... do- do-
> ...5 specimens
> 
> Please consider my request and fulfill the genuine educational need
> on humanitarian ground VIA AIRMAIL (Priority International)
> PARCEL.The Damp-Packed specimens can be sent through US Postal
> System.Kindly acknowledge the request and oblige.Thanks. Respectfully
> yours,
> 
> Dr.Shaikh Taufique Rehman Director Museum of Life-Science Institute
> of Higher Education 1066 Civil Lines Jhansi-284001, U.P. INDIA

 

Joan Herrera, Ph.D. 
Curator of Collections

Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 
100 8th Avenue SE 
St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5020 
727-896-8626, ext 1206 
E-Mail:  Joan.Herrera at MyFWC.com 

 
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