Beware of Fraudulent Activity! - DGS has recently been made aware of fraudulent Purchase Orders and Spoof emails issued to
- Date
- 2021-05-07
Summary
Document 132-11 in Case 1:20-cv-00658-LMB-IDD, filed May 7, 2021 and marked Exhibit 11, a 14-page email chain dated March 23 and March 24, 2020. The emails run between the president of Blueflame Strategies and a DGS contracts administrator with the subject Medical Supplies Sheet. They discuss N95 mask quantities, delivery timelines, pricing of $3.80-$4.80 per N95 mask plus shipping, handling and tax, and payment terms of 75% up front with the balance on delivery. In the last message of the chain, the DGS administrator writes that DGS would like a PO for 100M. The pages also carry the DGS signature block's Beware of Fraudulent Activity! notice and the labels Defendant's 18 and Plaintiff's Trial Exhibit 55.
Summary drafted by a model from the document's text below and checked by script against that text before publication. It is a navigation aid, not a reading of what the document proves. Where AI is used
Full text
Case 1:20-cv-00658-LMB-IDD Document 132-11 Filed 05/07/21 Page 1 of 14
PageID# 2591
EXHIBIT 11
4
Case 1:20-cv-00658-LMB-IDD Document 132-11 Filed 05/07/21 Page §
EXHIBIT 2 of 14
exhibitsticker.com
EXHIBIT
PageID# 2592
Defendant's 18
Defendant's 18 ccd
From: John Thomas
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2020 7:12 PM PDT
To: Wong, Michael@DGS
Subject: Re: Medical Supplies Sheet
Perfect! I'll make sure everything is ready on my end. Assuming you guys need other things like
COVID testing kits, face masks, etc, etc , let's talk about those after we get this PO put to bed.
Sound good?
Thanks again, Michael. Appreciate all your effort to drive this across the finish line.
Kindest regards,
John
On Tue, Mar 24, 2020 at 7:03 PM Wong, Michael@DGS <Michael.Wong dgs.ca.gov> wrote:
Yes, we would like a PO for 100M. I'll work the 75% payment piece first thing in the
morning.
Respectfully,
k4ael tiov
Contracts Administrator
Phone: 916-441-9619
Email: Michael.Wondadds.ca.ciov
Beware of Fraudulent Activity! - DGS has recently been made aware of fraudulent Purchase Orders and Spoof emails issued to
the vendor community. Always confirm the validity of any Purchase Order by contacting the agency making the request. Do not
process any order that appears suspicious. Do not click on any hyperlinks from a suspicious email. A list of State agency contact
information is provided on the DGS website located at http://www.dgs.ca.gow"pd/Programs/Delegated.aspx. Be vigilant by
confirming valid State of California emails and phone numbers at htt s://cold. ovo s.ca. ov/. Vigilance is everyone's
responsibility. For more information please visit htto://www.dos.c,a.cov/od/Home/FRAUDALERT.asox.
Plaintiff's
Trial Exhibit
55
CONFIDENTIAL BFM000110967
Case 1:20-cv-00658-LMB-IDD Document 132-11 Filed 05/07/21 Page 3 of 14
PageID# 2593
From: John Thomas [nnailto:john@blueflame.agencV1
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2020 6:13 PM
To: Wong, Michael@DGS <Michael.Wong@do.ca.gov>
Subject: Re: Medical Supplies Sheet
AUTiON: This email originated from a NON-State email address. Do not click links or open attachments unless
you are certain of the sender's authenticity.
Michael,
Here is our STD document to begin this process.
Thanks again,
John
On Tue, Mar 24, 2020 at 4:51 PM John Thomas <john@blueflame.agency> wrote:
Yes absolutely.
Want me to put together a PO? If you give me an hour or so I can find the 100mil order.
Sound good?
On Tue, Mar 24, 2020, 4:45 PM Wong, Michael@DGS <Michael.Wong@dgs.ca.gov> wrote:
Got it, can we execute on this today?
Respectfully,
CONFIDENTIAL BFM000110968
Case 1:20-cv-00658-LMB-IDD Document 132-11 Filed 05/07/21 Page 4 of 14
PageID# 2594
/64ael 14
Contracts Administrator
Phone: 916-441-9619
Email: Michael.Woncados.ca.00v
Beware of Fraudulent Activity! — DGS has recently been made aware of fraudulent Purchase Orders and Spoof emails
issued to the vendor community. Always confirm the validity of any Purchase Order by contacting the agency making the
request. Do not process any order that appears suspicious. Do not click on any hyperlinks from a suspicious email. A list of
State agency contact information is provided on the DGS website located at
htth://www.d_gs.ca.gov/pd/Programs/Delegated.aspx. Be vigilant by confirming valid State of California emails and phone
numbers at httbs://cold.qovons.ca.dov/. Vigilance is everyone's responsibility. For more information please visit
htip://Www.dos.ca.00v/pd/Horne/FRAUDALERT.asbx.
From: John Thomas [nnailto:john@blueflameagencV1
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2020 4:40 PM
To: Wong, Michael@DGS <Michael.Wong@dgs.ca.gov>
Subject: Re: Medical Supplies Sheet
This email originated from a NON-State email address. Do not click links or open attachments
unless you are certain of the sender's authenticity.
Understood that's what I figured. The prior production numbers I quoted are just your
approved N95's.
Regarding cost, pricing is volatile but the range is from $3.80-$4.80 plus shipping, handling
and tax for the N95's.
John
On Tue, Mar 24, 2020 at 4:11 PM Wong, Michael@DGS <Michael.Wong@dgs.ca.gov>
wrote:
CONFIDENTIAL BFM000110969
Case 1:20-cv-00658-LMB-IDD Document 132-11 Filed 05/07/21 Page 5 of 14
PageID# 2595
Yes, we can only accept the approve N95 masks (specifically the model numbers I
texted you). How much per unit?
Respectfully,
Aeklei wolf,
Contracts Administrator
Phone: 916-441-9619
Email: Michael.Wondadgs.ca.gov
Beware of Fraudulent Activity! — DGS has recently been made aware of fraudulent Purchase Orders and Spoof emails
issued to the vendor community. Always confirm the validity of any Purchase Order by contacting the agency making the
request. Do not process any order that appears suspicious. Do not click on any hyperlinks from a suspicious email. A list of
State agency contact information is provided on the DGS website located at
htto://www.cios.ca.00v/pd/Proorams/Delegated.aspx. Be vigilant by confirming valid State of California emails and phone
numbers at https://cold.dovops.ca.uov/. Vigilance is everyone's responsibility. For more information please visit
httu://www.ds:is.ca.uoviod/Home/FRAUDALERT.asox.
From: John Thomas [nnailto:iohn@blueflame.agencyl
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2020 4:02 PM
To: Wong, Michael@DGS <Michael.Wong@dgs.ca.gov>
Subject: Re: Medical Supplies Sheet
This emai► originated from a NON-State email address. Do not click links or open attachments
unless you are certain of the sender's authenticity.
Michael,
Here's what we can do:
2 million units - Ready in 3 days - arrive to Calif on day 7 - Henry
CONFIDENTIAL BFM000110970
Case 1:20-cv-00658-LMB-IDD Document 132-11 Filed 05/07/21 Page 6 of 14
PageID# 2596
6 million units - ready immediately - have to ship - SU
25-30 million units - delivered within 30 days - Henry
25 additional units within 30 days - SU
We can deliver 63,000,0000 masks within 30 days for sure.
I assume you cannot accept kn95's?
I can source the other 37 million but I need to hear back from my other manufacturers
before I can quote exact capacities.
Thanks,
John
On Tue, Mar 24, 2020 at 3:20 PM John Thomas <iohn@blueflame.agency> wrote:
Yes will do right away. I'll have mask quantities to you quickly.
On Tue, Mar 24, 2020 at 3:16 PM Wong, Michael@DGS <Michael.Wong@dgs.ca.gov>
wrote:
Can you please fill this out (will need it for payment)?
Respectfully,
CONFIDENTIAL BFM000110971
Case 1:20-cv-00658-LMB-IDD Document 132-11 Filed 05/07/21 Page 7 of 14
PageID# 2597
/tite4ad
Contracts Administrator
Phone: 916-441-9619
Email: Michael.Woncados.ca.00v
Beware of Fraudulent Activity! — DGS has recently been made aware of fraudulent Purchase Orders and Spoof emails
issued to the vendor community. Always confirm the validity of any Purchase Order by contacting the agency making the
request. Do not process any order that appears suspicious. Do not click on any hyperlinks from a suspicious emaiL A list
of State agency contact information is provided on the DGS website located at
htt ://www.d s.ca. ov/ d/Pro rams/Dele ated.as x. Be vigilant by confirming valid State of California emails and phone
numbers at https://cold.eovotas.ca.uov/. Vigilance is everyone's responsibility. For more information please visit
httb://www.das.ca.uov/pd/Home/FRAUDALERT.asqx.
From: John Thomas [nnailto:john@blueflame.agency1
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2020 1:34 PM
To: Wong, Michael@DGS <Michael.Wong@dgs.ca.gov>
Subject: Re: Medical Supplies Sheet
t.4.4. This email originated from a NON-State email address. Do not click links or open attachments
unless you are certain of the sender's authenticity.
Hi Michael,
To be transparent, here's our inventory list for one of my many manufacturers. You'll see
offerings, and timeline. In terms of payment we need 75% up front and the balance upon
delivery. Of course you can inspect/reject and we'll refund payment.
How much inventory do you want? I have access to much more than this but I thought
this would be a good starting point.
Also I did source last night a hand sanitizer manufacturer in california as well as a plastic
face shield manufacturer. We'll be ready in a few days to send you this product if you're
interested.
CONFIDENTIAL BFM000110972
Case 1:20-cv-00658-LMB-IDD Document 132-11 Filed 05/07/21 Page 8 of 14
PageID# 2598
Thanks,
John
On Tue, Mar 24, 2020 at 1:14 PM Wong, Michael@DGS <Michael.Wong@dgs.ca.gov>
wrote:
What quantities are you able to deliver? And what payment terms are there?
Respectfully,
Contracts Administrator
Phone: 916-441-9619
Email: Michael.Wonondos.ca.00v
Beware of Fraudulent Activity! — DGS has recently been made aware of fraudulent Purchase Orders and Spoof
emails issued to the vendor community. Always confirm the validity of any Purchase Order by contacting the agency
making the request. Do not process any order that appears suspicious. Do not click on any hyperlinks from a suspicious
email. A list of State agency contact information is provided on the DGS website located at
http://www.das.ca.gov/pd/Proqrams/Delegated.aspx. Be vigilant by confirming valid State of California emails and
phone numbers at htt s://cold. ovo s.ca. ov/. Vigilance is everyone's responsibility. For more information please visit
htto://www.dos.ca.aoWpd/Home/FRAUDALERT.aspx.
From: John Thomas [nriailto:john@blueflame%agencV1
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2020 9:30 AM
To: Wong, Michael@DGS <Michael.Wong@dgs.ca.gov>
Subject: Re: Medical Supplies Sheet
NON: This email originated from a NON-State email address. Do not click links or open attachments
unless you are certain of the sender's authenticity.
CONFIDENTIAL BFM000110973
Case 1:20-cv-00658-LMB-IDD Document 132-11 Filed 05/07/21 Page 9 of 14
PageID# 2599
Dear Michael,
Is this what you mean for specs? Please see attached.
Can you provide me with a rough estimate of much and by when you need it I can start
shuffling around things on my end now to make sure we can get you what you need?
Thanks!
John
On Mon, Mar 23, 2020 at 9:43 PM John Thomas <iohn@blueflame.agency> wrote:
Thanks, Michael. Yes I have all the spec sheets I'll package up.
We can do a 75% prepayment and the balance upon receipt. I have to give them pre-
payment but you have the 48 hour inspection period or you can reject the goods and
you get a refund. Also I just got word from my lead manufacturer that we need to place
an order for 100mil n95 masks or they will sell them to the UK. I HIGHLY suggest we
lock them in now. We can have you place a deposit on the 100mil mask order to make
sure the inventory doesn't disappear and then do the usual 75% prepayment per lot that
gets shipped over time.
I'm happy to show you the text messages back and forth to this manufacturer. We
literally have 9 hours to make this call on the masks I strongly encourage that you
move on this one.
Thanks again. As always I'm available 24/7.
John
CONFIDENTIAL BFM000110974
Case 1:20-cv-00658-LMB-IDD Document 132-11 Filed 05/07/21 Page 10 of 14
PageID# 2600
On Mon, Mar 23, 2020 at 6:52 PM Wong, Michael@DGS
<Michael.Won2@dgs.ca.gov> wrote:
John, do you have specification sheets for the N95 masks and the COVIDI9
test kits?
Also, what other options do we have for payment to foreign manufacturers?
Respectfully,
/44a /4
Contracts Administrator
Phone: 916-441-9619
Email: Michael.Wonandos.ca.dov
Beware of Fraudulent Activity! — DGS has recently been made aware of fraudulent Purchase Orders and Spoof
emails issued to the vendor community. Always confirm the validity of any Purchase Order by contacting the agency
making the request. Do not process any order that appears suspicious. Do not click on any hyper/inks from a
suspicious email. A list of State agency contact information is provided on the DGS website located at
http://www.dgs.ca.gov/pci/Programs/Delegated.aspx. Be vigilant by confirming valid State of California emails and
phone numbers at https://cold.ciovops.ca.gov/. Vigilance is everyone's responsibility. For more information please
visit httpl/www.dos.ca.aoviod/Home/FRAUDALERT.astax.
From: John Thomas [nnailto:lohn(ablueflame.agencY1
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2020 6:38 PM
To: Wong, Michael@DGS <Michael.Wong@dgs.ca.gov>
Subject: Medical Supplies Sheet
CAUTION; This email originated from a NON-State email address. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you are certain of the sender's authenticity.
Dear Michael,
CONFIDENTIAL BFM000110975
Case 1:20-cv-00658-LMB-IDD Document 132-11 Filed 05/07/21 Page 11 of 14
PageID# 2601
Pleasure texting with you. Here's our sales sheet for today. I have some inventory in
california, some in Mexico and a huge global supply chain that can service any need
you have going forward.
Hand sanitizer I just came into a bunch of inventory of hand sanitizer based here in
Riverside, California that is 80% alcohol levels. Also we can make children's n95
masks now at about 9 mil units a month. This isn't on the sales sheet.
75,000 6oz units that we can private label.
1 mil bottles of 2oz hand sanitizer.
If you want I can have this moved to you tomorrow.
Please let me know what the next steps are.
Thanks again!
John
John Thomas
President
Blueflame Strategies
c. (818) 636-6522
e. john@blueflame.agency
CONFIDENTIAL BFM000110976
Case 1:20-cv-00658-LMB-IDD Document 132-11 Filed 05/07/21 Page 12 of 14
PageID# 2602
John Thomas
President
Blueflame Strategies
c. (818) 636-6522
e. iohn@blueflame.agencv
John Thomas
President
Blueflame Strategies
c. (818) 636-6522
e. iohn@blueflame.agency
John Thomas
President
Blueflame Strategies
c. (818) 636-6522
CONFIDENTIAL BFM000110977
Case 1:20-cv-00658-LMB-IDD Document 132-11 Filed 05/07/21 Page 13 of 14
PageID# 2603
e. j ohn@blue flame. agency
John Thomas
President
Blueflame Strategies
c. (818) 636-6522
e. j_ohn@blueflame . agency
John Thomas
President
Blueflame Strategies
c. (818) 636-6522
e. i ohn@blueflame. agency
John Thomas
President
Blueflame Strategies
CONFIDENTIAL BFM000110978
Case 1:20-cv-00658-LMB-IDD Document 132-11 Filed 05/07/21 Page 14 of 14
PageID# 2604
c. (818) 636-6522
e. ohn@blueflame.agency
John Thomas
President
Blueflame Strategies
c. (818) 636-6522
e. I ohn@blueflame.agency
John Thomas
President
Blueflame Strategies
c. (818) 636-6522
e. ohn@blueflame.agency
CONFIDENTIAL BFM000110979
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- gov.uscourts.vaed.477405.132.11.pdf
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