FYI - Phishing scam on domain names

[aro]

Please watch out... this is what I got... I was wondering if anyone else got an email from this guy.

____

From [email protected] Thu Jan 20
To ...
Hello,

Our client offers a good price for your domain. Please email us your desired price in USD or euros.

Moreover, they can also pay all escrow fees if necessary. If you have other names for sale please email us for consideration.

Can we get your answer this week if possible?

Regards,

Jerome Miller

Web Name Business Corp.
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[Archangel]

I received he exact same email today.

 

[bmugford]

Sounds more like the famous appraisal scam than a phishing scam.

Brad

 

[renek]

THey didn't even put in the effort to paste your domain in the text...
Did you reply?

 

[Archangel]

I replied outta boredom. Yes, he is just another appraisal scam piece of trash.

THey didn't even put in the effort to paste your domain in the text...
Did you reply?

 

[jdmnet30]

Same email from "Edward"

Here's the one I got:

Hello,

We have a client who is interested in purchasing your name. He can
offer a good price.

Please email us your desired price for the domain name in the subject
linein USD or euros.

If you have other names for sale please email us for consideration.

Can we get your answer this week if possible?

Regards,

Edward Feinstein

CEO

Web Name Business Corp.


He did at least put the site's name in the subject. Then I got:

Can you accept 12,000 USD?

We have a 80,000 USD budget for 10-15 domain names. Have you had your domain names evaluated in the past? Without a valuation certificate we cannot be sure in the sale price. Moreover, my accountant and tax services always ask for valuation certificates . On the other side, it's very important for me in terms of reselling too. Of course, we must engage a valuation company with a REAL manual service. So I will only accept valuations from independent sources I and my accountant trust.

To avoid mistakes I asked domain experts about reputable appraisal companies. Please check this blog with suggestions from other sellers and
buyers:
http://www.thenamepros.com/Archive/40726385.htm

If, for example, the valuation comes higher you can adjust your asking price accordingly. It will be fair. I also hope you can give me 12% - 15% discount.

After you send me the valuation via email (usually it takes 1-2 days to obtain it) we'll continue our negotiations. Do you sell domain with a web site or just the name? Domain without content is ok with me. Web site is not necessary.

What is your preferred payment method: Escrow.com, International wire transfer, PayPal.com or something else?

Hope we can come to an agreement fast.

Looking forward to your reply.

So of course I went over to http://www.CertifiedDomainValue.com and paid for an appraisal - live and learn. Are they at least legit?

 

[Kate]

So of course I went over to http://www.CertifiedDomainValue.com and paid for an appraisal - live and learn. Are they at least legit?

So they are willing to pay you $12000 but they can't afford paying for the appraisal ?
Don't smell anything fishy here ? It's time to call your bank and dispute the charges.

 

[jdmnet30]

Well, yes, fishy now! Apparently I had a "moment". And I will certainly dispute the charge. Know anything about Certified Domain Value.com?

 

[Archangel]

Never, ever, EVER use a paid appraisal. There are really no exceptions :p

 

[jdmnet30]

(sigh) Well I know that now! Thanks tho - chalk it up to the school of hard knocks or having a dumba-- day! And I'm not even blonde!

 

[Archangel]

lol Appraisals are handy but really -- and remember this -- a domain is ONLY worth what a person would buy it for.

(sigh) Well I know that now! Thanks tho - chalk it up to the school of hard knocks or having a dumba-- day! And I'm not even blonde!

 

[jdmnet30]

LOL! Well trust me darlin', I was ready to take his 12K!

 

[Archangel]

*laughs* I think the best way to look at it is like this: How much do you think your domain is worth? If you receive a $10,000 offer for web.com, you could assume it was a real (albeit very lowball) offer. If you received a $10,000 offer on something that you are damn sure wouldn't fetch $200 realistically, then ignore the offer. Or reply and see if he asks for an appraisal. If he does, you should know where it's headed :p

LOL! Well trust me darlin', I was ready to take his 12K!

 

[jdmnet30]

Well unfortunately, it wasn't "web.com." Lesson learned - excitement abated.