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Beware of Fraudulent Activity! — DGS has recently been made aware of fraudulent Purchase Orders and Spoof emails

Date
2021-05-20

Summary

Exhibit 90 to a filing in Case 1:20-cv-00658-LMB-IDD, docketed as Document 150-6 and filed May 20, 2021. The exhibit is an email chain dated March 23 to March 25, 2020 between a contracts administrator at the California Department of General Services and a representative of Blue Flame Medical about medical supplies. The emails discuss quantities and specifications of N95 masks, a price range of $3.80-$4.80 plus shipping, payment terms of 75% up front with the balance upon delivery, and a proposed order for 100 million N95 masks. The vendor states it can deliver 63,000,000 masks within 30 days, and the last page is a sales sheet listing masks, travel kits, COVID-19 test kits and PPE with minimum order quantities and price ranges. Each message from the department carries a standing fraud-alert footer warning vendors about fraudulent purchase orders and spoof emails.

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 150-6   Filed 05/20/21   Page 1 of 9 PageID#
                                    3680




       EXHIBIT 90
      Case 1:20-cv-00658-LMB-IDD                       Document 150-6                Filed 05/20/21            Page 2 of E9 PageID#
                                                                                                          EXHIBIT

                                                                                                                             exhibitsticker.com
                                                                                                          EXHIBIT
                                                              3681
       From:                Sturmfels. Andrew(aDGZ
       To:                  Wong. Michael(aDGS                                                           Plaintiff's 2
                                                                                                         Plaintiff's 2
       Subject:             RE: Medical Supplies Sheet                                                                       :r5
       Date:                Wednesday, March 25, 2020 1:39:00 PM                                  •


       Can you call me — 376-5044 stat please.

       Thank you,
       andrew

       Andrew J Sturmfels
       Deputy Director
       Department of General Services
       (916) 376-5044
       Andrew.SturmfelsPdgs.ca.gov
                                                       .                  .
       From: Wong, Michael@DGS <Michael.Wong@dgs.ca.gov>
       Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2020 1:38 PM
       To: Simonson, Bill@DGS <Bill.Simonson@dgs.ca.gov>; Sturmfels, Andrew@DGS
       <Andrew.Sturmfels@dgs.ca.gbv>
       Subject: FW: Medical Supplies Sheet


       Blue Flame Medical

       Respectfully,
                               •

       /144a&IWov
       Contracts Administrator
       Phone: 916-441-9619
       Email: Michael.Wong©dgs.ca.gov


         D!S PROCUREMENT
       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.dgs.ca.aov/od/Programs/Delegated.aspN. Be vigilant by confirming valid State of California emails and phone
       numbers at httos://cold.govoos.ca ,govi. Vigilance is everyone's responsibility. For more information please visit
       htto://www.dgs._ca.gov/pd                AE


       From: John Thomas [mailto:johnlablueflame.agency]
       Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2020 6:13 PM
       To: Wong, Michael@DGS <Michael.WongPdgs.ca.gov>
       Subject: Re: Medical Supplies Sheet


                                                                                                                                                  1




                                                                                                                                                  CAL-DGS-00000015




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        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.


        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,


           Rfakzei it/o/r,
            Contracts Administrator
            Phone: 916-441-9619
            Email: Michael.Wong@dgs.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 5
            suspicious email. A list of State agency contact information is provided on the DGS website located at
            htto://www.dgs.ca.gov/od/Programs/Delegated asok. Be vigilant by confirming valid State of California emails and
            phone numbers at httos://cold.aovoos.ca.00v/. Vigilance is everyone's responsibility. For more information please
            visit htto://www.dgs.ca.gov/pd/Home/FRAUDALERT.aspx•


            From: John Thomas [mailto:johnPblueflame.agency]
            Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2020 4:40 PM
          • To: Wong, Michael@DGS<Michael.WongPdgs.ca.goy>
            Subject: Re: Medical Supplies Sheet


               CAUTION: This email originated from a NON-State email address. Do not click links or open attachments
               unlest 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,




                                                                                                                                CAL-DGS-00000016




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      Case 1:20-cv-00658-LMB-IDD                   Document 150-6                Filed 05/20/21            Page 4 of 9 PageID#
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           handling and tax for the N95's.

           John



           On Tue, Mar 24, 2020 at 4:11 PM Wong, Michael@DGS <Michael.Worig@dgs.ca.gov>
           wrote:
                Yes, we can only accept the approve N95 masks (specifically the model
                numbers I texted you). How much per unit?

                Respectfully,


                /tite4d If.70/7
                Contracts Administrator
                Phone: 916-441-9619
                Email: Michael.Wongctgs.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 processffiny 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.dgs.ca.goviod/Programs/Delegated.aspx. Be vigilant by confirming valid State of California smalls and
             phone numbers at fittos://coid.govoos.ca.gov/. Vigilance is everyone's responsibility. For more information please
             visithtto://www.dgs.ca.gov/od/Home/FRAUDALERT.asox.


                From: John Thomas [mailto:johnPblueflame agency]
                Sent: Tuesday, Mardi 24, 2020 4:02 PM
                To: Wong, Michael@DGS cbacbsiglWanzadgs_u_gu>
           I Subject: Re: 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.

            i Michael,

                Here's what we can do:

                2 million units - Ready in 3 days - arrive to Calif on day 7 - Henry
                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.




                                                                                                                                  CAL-DGS-00000017




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                      • Thanks,

                       John


                      i On Tue, Mar 24, 2020 at 3:20 PM John Thomas <john@blueflarne.agency> wrote:
                          Yes will do right away. I'll have mask quantities to you quickly.
                  ilj
                           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)?
              i
                            Respectfully,
                  I

                  I         /144aelWolv
                            Contracts Administrator
                             Phone: 916-441-9619
        .11   i             Email: Michael.Wongdgs.ca.gov
         1    i
              I
              i   I         Beware of Fraudulent Activity! — DGS has recently been made aware of fraudulent Purchase Orders and
                  1
                            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
                  i
                            any hyperlinks from a suspicious email. A list of State agency contact Information is provided on the DGS
                  I
                  1         website located at http.Wwww.dgs.ca.goviod/Programs/Delegated.asbx. Be vigilant by confirming valid State
                            of California emails and phone numbers at httos://cold,govoos.ca.gov/. Vigilance is everyone's
              i   I
                            responsibility. For more information please visithttp.//www.dgs.ca.gov/nd/Home/FRAUDALERT.aspx.
                  I

              I   I         From: John Thomas [mailto:johncWblueflame.agency]
              1   1
              !             Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2020 1:34 PM
                            To: Wong, Michael@DGS <Michael.Wongl@cles.ca.goy>
                            Subject: Re: 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.


                            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 califomia as well as a
                            plastic face shield manufacturer. We'll be ready in a few days to send you this
                       •




                                                                                                                                     CAL-DGS-00000018



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                                                        3685
                  product if you're interested.

               t Thanks,
               •
       •• :-   1 John

                  On Tue, Mar 24, 2020 at 1:14 PM Wong, Michael@DGS
                  <Michael.WongOdgs.ca.gov> wrote:
                  ' What quantities are you able to deliver? And what payment terms are
                    there?

                    Respectfully,


                    Niekref 1Voirg
                    Contracts Administrator
                    Phone: 916-441-9619
                    Email: Michael.Wongndgs.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 //wvwv.dgs.ca.gov/od/Proarams✓Delegated.asox. Be vigilant by confirming
                    valid State of California emails and phone numbers at httoslicold govoos ca gov/. Vigilance is everyone's
                    responsibility. For more information please visithttp//www.dgs.ca.gov/pd/Home/FRAUDALERT.asox.


                    From: John Thomas [mailto:johnPblueflame.agency]
                    Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2020 9:30 AM
                    To: Wong, Michael@DGS <Michael.WongPdgs,ca.gov>
                    Subject: Re: Medical Supplies Sheet


                     CAUTION: this email originated from iNON-State email address. Do not click links or open
                     attachments unless you are certain of the sender's authenticity.


                    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 <john@blueflame,agency>
                    wrote:




                                                                                                                                CAL-DGS-00000019




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                           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 refura-d-.     j-u-st-gut word-fi-ounny-l-e-ad--
                           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
          i                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
            I             that you move on this one.
          1
          Il              Thanks again. As always I'm available 24/7.
               I
                          John
                     I

                     1    On Mon, Mar 23, 2020 at 6:52 PM Wong, Michael@DGS
                   I I    <Michael.WongOdgs.ca.gov> wrote:
                             John, do you have specification sheets for the N95 masks and the
                             COVID19 test kits?

                             Also, what other options do we have for payment to foreign
                             manufacturers?

                             Respectfully,


                                 ekzd
                             Contracts Administrator
                             Phone: 916-441-9619
                             Email: Michael.Wong@dgs.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://wwwags.ca.govIpd/Programs/Delegated.aspx. Be vigilant by confirming valid State of
                             California emails and phone numbers at httos://cold,govoos.ca.govt Vigilance is everyone's
                             responsibility. For more information please visit
                             htto://wwwdos.ca.00v/pd/Home/FRAUDALERTas,px.


                             From: John Thomas [mailto:johnPblueflame.agencyl
                             Sent: Monday, March 23, 2020 6:38 PM
                           • To: Wong, Michael@DGS <Michael,WongPdgs.ca.gov>
                             Subject: Medical Supplies Sheet




                                                                                                                                  CAL-DGS-00000020



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                                           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,
        •
                    ! ; :                 Pleasure texting with you. Here's our sales sheet for today. I have some
                    •                     inventory in califomia, some in Mexico and a huge global supply chain
            .       i   ; .
                                          that can service any need you have going forward.
            ,           ! ,
        •                                   Hand sanitizer I just came into a bunch of inventory of hand sanitizer based
        ,I                                  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
                                        . i sales sheet.
                                •I
                        .        .        75,000 6oz units that we can private label.
                                    !
                                 ,I •     1 mil bottles of 2oz hand sanitizer.
                                 ;         If you want I can have this moved to you tomorrow.
                ,                ;
                                  c
                                           Please let me know what the next steps are.
                i      !
                i I i
                I ' I                     Thanks again!
                1 I -IS
                     s a
                                          John


                                          John Thomas
                                          President
            I I
                                          Blueflame Strategies
                                          c. (818) 636-6522
                                          e. john@blueflame.agency



                                        John Thomas
                                        President
                                 •      Blueflame Strategies
                                        c. (818) 636-6522
                                        e. john@blueflame.agency



                                     John Thomas
                                     President
                                     Blueflame Strategies
                                     c. (818) 636-6522
                                     e. john@blueflame.agency




                                                                                                                                       CAL-DGS-00000021




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                                                                                         Blueflame

                          SKU        DESCRIPTION                                                      BRAND               MIN. ORDER    PRICE RANGE         SHIPS

                          MASKS

                          100        3Mrs' 1860 095 Health Care Respirator & Surgical Mask            3M."                100M                    $639      IMMEDIATE

                          60001      Regular Protective mask                                          XT Yinhon           500K          553.82    50.90     lVithin10 days
                          60002       Regular Protective mask                                         XT Kangning         500K          30 92     50.90     Within10 days
                          60003      Regular Protective mask                                          XT Sande            500K          30.81     50.90     Within10 days
                          60004       Surgical Grade Mask                                             X'T Sanda           500K          50.85     $0.94     WithinI0 days
                          60005       095 Protectrve Mask - Cup Full Respirator                       SZ Fang tian        500K          54.71     55.24     Within I0 days
                          60006       N95 Protective Mask - Cup Full Respirator                       G1 Harley           5C0K          54.73     55.24     Within' 0 days
                          60007       N95 Protective Mask- Cup Full Respirator                        Makree              500K          54.73     55.24     Within'0 days
                          60008       095 Protective Mask- Foldable                                   Maktite/SinuPharm   500K          54.57     5507       Within10 days
                          60009       N95 Protective Mask • Foldable                                  Dasheng             500X          5457      $5.07     Upon Request
                          60010      -KN95 Protective Mask - Foldable                                 ZIr Ruipu           500K          52.52     52.79      Wittin10 days
                          60011      1199$ Protective Mask • Foldable                                 Glymate             15K           53.89     $431       Within 10 days


                          TRAVEL KITS


                          74001       Basic Kit:Sealed bag, 1x3m1 Hand sinker, 1 x Sanitizing
                                      wipes, PE gloves, Surgical mask, Tissues                         China Leads        100K          53 26     53.01     Upon Rquest

                          7CUUZ       Professsional Kit Reusable Pouch, Hand sanitizer 30m1 x I.
                                      Sanitizing wipes x 5. Latex gloves x 2. N95 Mask. Surgical
                                      Mask x1. LCOlbermometer                                          Chma Leads         100K          5t306     51430     Upon Request


                          COVID-1 9 TEST KITS

                          80001       Wondfo SARS-Co+/-2 Antibody test - 20 pcsibox                    'Nona()            10K           5131.70   5167.99   20 per kit
                          30002       COVID-I9 Direct qPCR kit - 48 testsAit       .                   Healgen            1K            $592.70   3658.55   48 per kit
                          80003       COVID- 1 9 Real lime PCR kit - 100 tests/kit '                   Healthcare         IK            0882.00   5979.99   100 per kit       -
                          80004       COVID-19IgMt1gG Rapid test cassette- 40 pcsibox                  Ill giotest        10K           5252.00   5279.99   40 per kit
                          80005       001/10-191gM11gG Rapid test cassette - 20 pcsfbox                 Ovum              10K           5)00.80   $111.99   20 pet kit
                          (0006       C0910-1919M190 Rapid test cassette • 20 pcsibox                                     10K           595.76    $106.39   20 per kit
                          80007       COVID-19 igM/IgG Rapid test cassette - 25 pcsrbox                elVol obniotech    1012          SI 1140   $125.99   25 per kit
                          80008       SARS-CoV-2 Real Time PCR Kat (RNA).- 48 testsAit                  ZEESAN            10K           533869    537631    48 pei kit


                          PPE

                          90001       Ann Fog Safety Goggle                                            GZ HUBO            tool(          33.98    $4.41      Withint0 days
                          90002       Anti Fog Safety Glasses                                          GZ HURD            100K           52.75    53.05      Within 10 days
                          90003       Anti Fug Safety Face Shield                                      GZ HUBO            1071(          $2.60    $2.88      WithinI0 days
                          90004       Medical Isolation Mask                                           ORCL               100K           04.23    $4.75      Walla 10 day;
                          90005       Medical Protective Googles                                       ORCL       k       10K            59.79    $10.87     Within 10 days
                          90006       Hand Sanibter 75% Alcohol Gel- I 02                              China Leads        100K           $0.73    $0 80      Within II days
                          90007       Hand Sanitaer 75%Alcohol Ge1,2 OZ                                China Leads        100K           50.97    $1.07      ',MIMI° days
                          90008       Hand Saninter 75li Alcohol Gel- 16.9 02                          China Leads        took           A.22     $4.68,     Within 10 dais
                          50609       Hand ianibzer 73",S Alcohol Gel- 27 Oz                           Chum Leads '       100K           56 18    56;36      Wither.10 days
                          90010       Foam Based Hand 'Nash - 3.501                                    Chma Leads         100K           31 88    52.        Withnt 0 days
                          90011       Foam Based Hand Wash - 16.902                                    China leads        100K           $3.01    53.34      Withiniq days
                          90012       Anti bacterial Spray 75t. Alcohol 55ml                           China Leads        0;0K           51 71    SI.92      Withir,i0 days
                          90013       Disinfectant Wipes 75% alcohol 3'6cm (1001Box)                   Clean Simple       '00K           51 22    51.35      'Altair:10 days
                          90014       Disinfectant Wipes 75% alcohol 6'6cm 1100ifinx i                 Clean Simple       100K           51 7 i   55.09      %Ifni& days
                          90013       LCD thermometer                                                  HZ Universal       LOOK           52 45    Si 7!       With° U) days
                          90016       LCD thermometer                                                  WZ Kangfu          160K           01 69    31.97       Withini0 thys
                          90017       Digital Forehead Int Ned Thermometer                             WZ Kan*            ;0K            561 20   567.99      Within to day,
                          90018       Sterile Surgical Gloves- 1 pairfpcs                              Mason               lOOK          5018     50 42       Weir 10 days
                          90019       Disposable Latex Gloves • 00pcs/box                              Mason               100K          56.92    $7.67       Within10 days
                          90020       Disposable Surgical Gowns-Non Sterile                            Xin Union           10011         $3.32    53.96       Withm10 days
                          90021       Disposable Nonwoven Safety Coverall'                              Xin Union          100K          58.87     09.85      Vhthin10 dari
                          90022       Disposable Cap ;Blue)                                             Xin Union          100K          5128      50 30      Wean 10 days
                          90023       Disposbale shoe cover                                             Xin Union          100K          50.5.1    $0.64      Within 10 days

                           Terms of sale upon request
                           Blue Flame Medical 1110 All rights reserved




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