Is this legal/ethical?

[scottyboy]

Hi guys,I was wondering would it be legal/ethical to contact a domain owner with an offer for their expiring domain before it reaches pending delete status by way of looking up who-is for the domain.Thanks for any advice given.

 

[wayne wooldridge]

I don't see anything wrong with it.

 

[anantj]

Don't see why it is unethical or illegal! I think it's a fair move (a good move in fact) to try to acquire an expiring or expired domain name if the seller anyway plans to dump the domain name

 

[scottyboy]

Thanks guys,where do you think is the best place to find domains in this status?

 

[MapleDots]

I do it all the time.....

 

[korganian]

I do it all the time.....

How will you do it after May 25th when whois contact info is removed?

 

[MapleDots]

How will you do it after May 25th when whois contact info is removed?

For .ca we have a contact form where it does not reveal the email address. I am hoping there will be the same type of system for .com.

In this case Canada is way ahead of the curve with their whois system

 

[DaveX]

Seems fine.

 

[Premiums]

its wrong and unethical!

 

[MasterOfMyDomains]

I believe it is ethical and right thing to do. Smart think to do

 

[TestCase]

I don't see anything wrong with it.

I do it all the time.....

+1

OK, maybe not ALL the time... But I do it at least a couple of times a year. I've been successful maybe 1 out of 12-15 tries. Most either respond and then renew for themself, or don't respond and the name drops.

 

[MapleDots]

its wrong and unethical!

I would be very interested to know why you have this opinion.

 

[Ollie3000]

I think it's good business - although it might prompt them to renew!

 

[namezest]

It is what the most successful domain investors do.
Unfortunately though many owners forget they have them or changed contact information. Essentially a very low percentage of messages to owners of domains coming up to expiration are actually going to get a reply.

 

[Daniel Owens]

If, they are tricked into renewing the domain due to an offer you must contact them before pending delete or it is may be illegal and you could be responsible for their recovery of domain fee, possible fine, and worse case jail time. So, don't wait too long and be careful. This is sketchy you may want to contact a lawyer first.