krx

I was approached recently by someone who would like me to broker his domains for him. I have not done this before but have wanted to look into it. He does have some interesting names and, depending on his expectations for them, I might consider it. One thing that gives me pause: he would like to change the contact info so that the domains "appear" to be owned by me. This strikes me as misleading and unethical - to sell the names as if they were my own. But he insists that this is how it is done. Is there any truth to this? I guess it would protect me, as the broker, since prospective buyers would not have access to the real owner and would have to negotiate through me. But I would think a signed contract that specifies the terms and fees for any sales would be the preferred route, leaving the contact info to accurately reflect him as the owner.
????: NamePros.com http://www.namepros.com/domain-name-discussion/505198-a-question-for-brokers.html

I've read every thread I could find with "broker" in the title, but couldn't find any info on this.

lzy

Something fishy is going on here.

Why not just throw on private whois?

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buyauthority

I agree with Izy. Let it go.

bmugford

This is totally fishy.

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SonnyCooL

it look like stolen domain looking for victim .....
why he want the domain transfers to u ? for ur protection but he lose the domain .......

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krx

I could be wrong but I don't think the domains are stolen. Some may have value - to the right enduser - but over half of them are worthless, certainly not worth stealing.

I agree it is strange. I just can't figure out what his angle is... How could it benefit him to put me in as the contact?

commsskills

Is there any legal liability to take on the name yourself? If so, you are assuming the responsibility for a paltry sum of money.

I have been watching a lot of movies, but is there any criminal activity going on that will make you the scrapgoat? For example, if the domains were stolen or had been used in bad faith before. Your name is clearly stated there. Address too.

krx

I wouldn't own the domains; changing the contact info doesn't make them mine. So I'm not too concerned about legal consequences. Also, anybody can change the contact/whois info of their domains to whatever they want, whenever they want ... so he doesn't need me to "scapegoat" someone. And as Izy pointed out he could add privacy if he just wanted to protect his identity. So .. I don't know what he's up to but I don't think that's it.
????: NamePros.com http://www.namepros.com/showthread.php?t=505198

Also, it wouldn't necessarily be a paltry sum. If I were to do it it would need to be worth my time. But unless this is a standard and legitimate practice - which it appears from the responses here not to be - I'm not going to do it. Just doesn't seem like someone I want to do business with.

Thanks for the responses.