Domain appraisal scam from [email protected]

This is what led me to NamePros.com. I was doing a research to see if what l was thinking that this is a scam is true. My Verdict: It's a SCAM!!!

Here is my experience with this scammer:

> -----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Sunday, November 20, 2016 9:05 AM
To: *********@*********.com
Subject: Offer to purchase ********.com

Hello!

I represent an investor who is going to buy ******.com for a new online project.

Are you still interested in selling?

The buyer offers a price in $25,000 - $35,000 range (based on your certified appraisal).

Please get back to me and I will help you to finish the deal.

Best Regards,

Rebecca Schulman

Lawyer

VPS Hosting
27 rue du Marche
Geneva
Switzerland

> -----Original Message End-----

I had the strong feeling this was a scam because the email is not the normal process one will inquire to buy a domain whether you're the buyer or a broker.

However, I replied to see what direction this could take - and maybe I might be wrong.

Honestly, wanted it to be legit. - I was wishing to be wrong!!!

My short simple reply was:

/*---------------------------*/

Hello Rebecca - thanks for your email.

Yes, I'm selling if the best offer is made.

Regards,
Samuel McEdwards

/*---------------------------*/

And, here the scammer comes.....

She (I supposed) replied:

-----Original Message-----
From: Lawyer [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Monday, November 21, 2016 1:06 PM
To: Samuel McEdwards | *******@******.com>
Subject: Re: Offer to purchase *******.com

The buyer is a professional investor from Israel.

My commission is paid by him.

The buyer offers a price in $25,000 - $35,000 range (based on your certificate of price).

Here is description of the sale process:

1. You send me your appraisal certificate. The certificate must include only 2 things to be accepted by my buyer:

- Independent valuation of the market price. Only manual valuations are accepted (no script based appraisals are allowed). If the valuation comes higher, he will increase the price accordingly. My client does not want to risk and doesn't accept services that use scripts. If you are unsure about some service feel free to ask me.

- Trademark infringement verification. It proves your domain has no trademark problems. He would like this verification to be included in the appraisal report. Some appraisal agencies include the TM verification in their certificates.

2. My client receives your certificate and we start the sale process. He can send the funds direct to you or via an escrow service of his choice.

3. You get the funds from him and transfer your domain to the new owner (my buyer).

Here are some references and useful links for you:

If you don't have the appraisal certificate please visit this Google Answers archive link http://answersgoogle.org/answers/threadview/id/10936825.htm to read about appraisal agencies that offer the manual service with the TM infringement verification included.

It will take only two minutes to order the certificate online. Go to the certificate agency site and submit your domain for the certification.

Please let them know you have a buyer with $XX,XXX offer. It will help you to get a better valuation. If value of your domain is $1000 or higher, they will send you the payment instructions. If it's not possible, they won't send you the instructions. This way you will not lose anything. It's very convenient and gives you the full protection.

Other services charge you upfront even if your domain is not worth spending the appraisal fee, so I don't recommend them.

Please ask sellers who used my services in the past for references. They may share their experience with you:

Isaac Goldberg office.walla.co.il at gmail.com (replace at with @).

Nancy Padgett nancypadgett_treeplan at aol.com (please replace at with @).

If you are new to certifications, I can send you step by step instructions how to order the proper certificate. I will also help you during the whole sale process. You will be able to contact me at any time.

-----Original Message End-----

There is the unpleasant "aroma" of scam everywhere on that reply.

Why is the person trying so hard to have me do an appraisal in a certain way?

The links clearly shows the conversation is meant to get you to visit only one link even though it appears to be from multiple users - I can tell, it the same user or a single team wanting to make you feel that Google answers thread is legit.

Go to swiss-legal.info (the email domain) which redirect to: http://swiss-lawyers.com/, Check the lawyers list at: http://swiss-lawyers.com/en/avocats.html, you'll see only three lawyers listed - none is this person sending this emails.

You're a lawyer for VPS Hosting? Which company is that?

Address none existed - at least not to my knowledge.

Gives a list of sellers who use her service? And the only way to contact them is by email? Why don't they have links to online profiles if they're true domain sellers?

Those and more are just too many red flags pointing to scam.

I didn't reply - that will be waiting precious time.

/*---------------------------------------*/
THE GOOD FROM THIS...?

My research on this scammers led me here to NamePro.com. I'm delighted! I look forward to get to know this community.

Don't fall for anything money or info related so quickly. Do your due diligent first. No matter how desperate you may be. Research, get all the info you need before making a move. You'll save yourself lots of unnecessary disappointments and pain.

Hi Samuel,

Thank you so much posting this. I literally just received an email like this and having been scammed before I quickly Googled the senders name and discovered your post.

______________________
legal @ swiss-legal dot info

Hello!

I represent an investor who is going to buy instantdosh.com for an online startup.

Are you still interested in selling?

The buyer offers a price in $13,000 - $15,000 range (based on your certified appraisal).

Please get back to me and I will help you to finish the deal.

Best Regards,

Rebecca Schulman

Lawyer

VPS Hosting

27 rue du Marche

Geneva

Switzerland

Naweed Shams said:

Hi Samuel,

Thank you so much posting this. I literally just received an email like this and having been scammed before I quickly Googled the senders name and discovered your post.

______________________
legal @ swiss-legal dot info

Hello!

I represent an investor who is going to buy instantdosh.com for an online startup.

Are you still interested in selling?

The buyer offers a price in $13,000 - $15,000 range (based on your certified appraisal).

Please get back to me and I will help you to finish the deal.

Best Regards,

Rebecca Schulman

Lawyer

VPS Hosting

27 rue du Marche

Geneva

Switzerland

Click to expand...

You're welcome @Naweed Shams . Glad to know my contribution to this thread was helpful. We all have to stay vigilant and do our due diligent first before making monetary or business decision. Especially over the internet.

All the best

Here's one i got today:

Hello!

I represent an investor who is going to buy xxxxxxxxxx.com for an online startup.

The buyer offers a price in $ 20 000 - $ 30 000 range (based on your certified appraisal).

Are you still interested in selling? Are you an experienced seller?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Sinerely yours,

Julia Henninger

Lawyer

VPS Hosting

Holbeinstrasse 30. Zurich 8034

Switzerland

=================
next email because i wanted to hear their BS pitch
==============

The buyer is a professional investor.

My commission is paid by him.

The buyer offers a price in $ 20 000 - $ 30 000 range (based on your certified appraisal).

Here is description of the sale process:

1. You send me your appraisal certificate. The certificate must include only 2 things to be accepted by my buyer:

- Independent valuation of the market price. Only manual valuations are accepted (no script based appraisals are allowed). If the valuation comes higher, he will increase the price accordingly. My client does not want to risk and doesn't accept services that use scripts. If you are unsure about some service feel free to ask me.

- Trademark infringement verification. It proves your domain has no trademark problems. He would like this verification to be included in the appraisal report. Some appraisal agencies include the TM verification in their certificates.

2. My client receives your certificate and we start the sale process. He can send the funds direct to you or via an escrow service of his choice.
3. You get the funds from him and transfer your domain to the new owner (my buyer).

Here are some references and useful links for you:

If you don't have the appraisal certificate please visit this Google Answers archive link http://answersgoogle.org/answers/threadview/id/81042637.htm to read about appraisal agencies that offer the manual service with the TM infringement verification included.

It will take only two minutes to order the certificate online. Go to the certificate agency site and submit your domain for the certification. Please let them know you have a buyer with $XX,XXX offer. It will help you to get a better valuation. If value of your domain is $1000 or higher, they will send you the payment instructions. If it's not possible, they won't send you the instructions. This way you will not lose anything. It's very convenient and gives you the full protection. Other services charge you upfront even if your domain is not worth spending the appraisal fee, so I don't recommend them.

Please ask sellers who used my services in the past for references. They may share their experience with you:

Isaac Goldberg office.walla.co.il at gmail.com (replace at with @).

Nancy Padgett nancypadgett_treeplan at aol.com (please replace at with @).

If you are new to certifications, I can send you step by step instructions how to order the proper certificate. I will also help you during the whole sale process. You will be able to contact me at any time.

Bait them.

Waste their time.

Keep acting like you are almost at the edge of biting the hook, and come up with more questions and act confused.

Tell them you are in Zurich, Switzerland and want to meet for lunch. (On the off chance they are there, pick a place that has a public webcam, and tell them to send a picture of themselves so you will recognize them when you see them)

If they are suddenly not available in Zurich, ask them where they are.... what a coincidence, you have a business partner who can meet them (wherever).

String them along, make fools out of them.

For more scambaiting tips and ideas, check out 419eater.com

On Wed, Nov 30, 2016 at 9:27 AM <[email protected]> wrote:
Hello!

I represent an investor who is going to buy Brand .com for an online startup.

The buyer offers a price in $ 20 000 - $ 30 000 range (depends on your certificate of price).

I'm working for a hosting company and help our clients to purchase domains on the aftermarket.

Are you still interested in selling? Are you an experienced seller?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Sinerely yours,

Tanya Zollinger

Lawyer

VPS Swiss Hosting

Holbeinstrasse 30. Zurich 8034

Switzerland
--
Sent from my iPhone

My reply... The person behind this crap use the address of a lawyer but claim to be working in a hosting company..

wow

Hi Tanya,
Thank you for your interest in my domain.

Yes this domain name may be for sale.

Would you please validate who you are exactly. I am a bit confused.

Are you a lawyer, website hosting company or domain broker?

I would be happy to make a deal with you and your client.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,
Xavier

Thanks but I don't do business with scammers like you.

A serious buyer would try to get a good deal on a domain name. 20k is really an unrealistic first offer for a brandable domain name.

If a buyer wants a name he will not ask for an appraisal.... He will simply offer $500+ and see what is the counter offer.

As a broker, you want to sell and buy as much as you can for your customers.

A broker knows the value of domains.

Also, you said you are a Lawyer. I will be happy to get your license suspended or canceled. You are doing Illegal scam.



However,

You are welcome to use epik.com if you are serious about purchasing this domain name.

Here is description of the sale process:

1. You send me your appraisal certificate. The certificate must include only 2 things to be accepted by my buyer:

- Independent valuation of the market price. Only manual valuations are accepted (no script based appraisals are allowed). If the valuation comes higher, he will increase the price accordingly. My client does not want to risk and doesn't accept services that use scripts. If you are unsure about some service feel free to ask me.

- Trademark infringement verification. It proves your domain has no trademark problems. He would like this verification to be included in the appraisal report. Some appraisal agencies include the TM verification in their certificates.

2. My client receives your certificate and we start the sale process. He can send the funds direct to you or via an escrow service of his choice.
3. You get the funds from him and transfer your domain to the new owner (my buyer).

Here are some references and useful links for you:

If you don't have the appraisal certificate please visit this Google Answers archive link http://answersgoogle.org/answers/threadview/id/72042637.htm to read about appraisal agencies that offer the manual service with the TM infringement verification included.

It will take only two minutes to order the certificate online. Go to the certificate agency site and submit your domain for the certification. Please let them know you have a buyer with $XX,XXX offer. It will help you to get a better valuation. If value of your domain is $1000 or higher, they will send you the payment instructions. If it's not possible, they won't send you the instructions. This way you will not lose anything. It's very convenient and gives you the full protection. Other services charge you upfront even if your domain is not worth spending the appraisal fee, so I don't recommend them.

Please ask sellers who used my services in the past for references. They may share their experience with you:

Isaac Goldberg office.walla.co.il at gmail.com (replace at with @).

Nancy Padgett nancypadgett_treeplan at aol.com (please replace at with @).

If you are new to certifications, I can send you step by step instructions how to order the proper certificate. I will also help you during the whole sale process. You will be able to contact me at any time.

I'm a private lawyer from Switzerland hired by a hosting company to help their clients to buy names on the aftermarket.

The buyer is a professional investor.

My commission is paid by him.

Sigh.. same shit with a different domain

Just thought I'd leave this here in case someone googles the "From address" or some of the content in the email.

-----------------------
From legal@intellectual-properties-ca . info (not allowed to post links)

Hello!

I represent an investor who wants to buy **.com for a new online startup.

Is it still for sale? Please respond and we we'll discuss the details.

The buyer has a six figure budget for several names ($385,000).

Are you a newbie or an experienced seller?

If you have more domains for sale I may help you to find buyers for them.

Best regards,

Victoria Boschetti

Lawyer

Swiss Bar Association Member

Geneva, Switzerland
---------------------

Yes, they actually used the word "newbie", very professional lawyer..

Got one today, from : swiss-bar-association.info, Hosted at Godaddy with the address, Street: Steinenvorstadt 12.
I think they used this address on another domain they were using, god job I am a member on here .

I might reply that I have put a domain embargo on selling to Swiss companies due to what they have recently done to Toblerone Chocolate by increasing the gaps and reducing the points on the bars.

Just replied.

Hello Anna, sorry Helen

I have imposed a embargo on selling anything to Switzerland due to what has recently been done to the Toblerone bar & Fifa.

Plus your banking system is corrupt & still hold money stolen by the Nazis.

Regards

Sep

Received about three years ago. Nothing changed I love stability...

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

My client offers $7500.

Before we go further we need only one thing from you:

To be sure in legitimacy of this sale and to avoid possible trademark problems my client buys certified domains only.

This certificate includes three things:

1. Independent appraisal of the market price. It will show your domain name is not overpriced. On the other hand if the appraisal comes higher we will increase the price accordingly.

2. Trademark infringement verification. It proves your domain has no trademark problems.

3. Verification of the owner. It proves you are a legitimate owner and your domain has no any obligations and restrictions. I'm sure that you are a legitimate owner so it will be only a formality.

If your domain has been certified please email me the certificate and we will proceed with the sale. If you don't have the certificate it's not a problem. I may send you a link where you can obtain it. Please don't worry. It won't take much time and money. It takes 1-2 minutes to order it. The results will be sent to you within 24 hours. Then you send me the certificate via email and we'll proceed with the sale.

As a broker I'm very interested in a good appraisal part of this certificate because my client pays me a commission (10-15% of the sale price) on every domain purchase. So I'm not interested in low sales too.

You can read about the certificate agency at: http://answers.archive-google.com/answers/threadview19382546.htm ("Domain Broker" is my nickname).

The process is very easy:

1. Go to the certificate agency site and order the certificate with the TM verification and the domain appraisal. Just submit your domains and let them know you have a buyer with $X,XXX offer so you need the appraisal near this value. After several hours you will get the results.

2. Then send these results via email and we'll proceed with the deal.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Albert Klausman

Vice President | VPSpace Cloud Hosting Solutions

Switzerland
Basel
Centralbahnstrasse 9
Phone: 061 259 39 614

Hello!

I represent an investor who wants to buy maple1.com for an online startup.

I located your contact information in a domain name whois lookup and understand that you own the domain name.

Are you still interested in selling?

If you have more names I can help you to sell them.

Best Regards,

Jennifer Weisman

Name Broker

VPS Swiss Hosting

Intellectual Property Specialist

Bern, Switzerland

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Just received this, immediately knew it was a scam. If Jennifer really wanted my domain I don't think she would have asked me of my other domains.

Prolific scam for sure

citylines said:

Hello Anna, sorry Helen

I have imposed a embargo on selling anything to Switzerland due to what has recently been done to the Toblerone bar & Fifa.

Click to expand...

OMG, I fell off my chair, the toblerone part was brilliant !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

See how they are all female names? Oldest trick in book.

Pretend you are female, add some feminine charm, reel weak-minded fools in.

KingslayerVR said:

See how they are all female names? Oldest trick in book.

Pretend you are female, add some feminine charm, reel weak-minded fools in.

Click to expand...

Yup, I occasionally see that in the introduction (meet&greet) section too, if you get what I mean.

Just got another email very similar

I responded like this....

Works very simple

You make an offer

I say yes or no

SHHK888 said:

This scammer asks you to get an appraisal from one of his "trusted" appraisal websites before he buys your domain for $XX,XXX figures and after you order the appraisal he disappears. He is sending the emails from a godaddy email hosting account, if you have the means to contact godaddy about this the senders IP address is 72.167.234.238

--------------------------------------------------

Hello!

I represent an investor who is going to buy ********.com

Are you interested in selling?

Based on whois lookup I understand that you own the domain name.

Are you a beginner or an experienced seller?

I help my clients to buy and sell intellectual properties.

If you have more names I can help you to sell them.

Best Regards,

Sarah Norshtein

SMC

Intellectual Property Lawyer

CH-4051 Basel

Switzerland

Click to expand...

Just got very similar email today:

[email protected]
5:19 AM (8 minutes ago)


to me



Hello!

Our client from Switzerland wants to purchase logovilla.com. Your email address has been found via online WHO IS service.

Please confirm you are a legitimate owner so we can send you the details.

jberryhill said:

Bait them.

Waste their time.

Keep acting like you are almost at the edge of biting the hook, and come up with more questions and act confused.

Tell them you are in Zurich, Switzerland and want to meet for lunch. (On the off chance they are there, pick a place that has a public webcam, and tell them to send a picture of themselves so you will recognize them when you see them)

If they are suddenly not available in Zurich, ask them where they are.... what a coincidence, you have a business partner who can meet them (wherever).

String them along, make fools out of them.

Click to expand...

Love it, kinda looking forward to the next one now.