Man Pretending To Be A Lawyer To Grab Domain Names Pleads Guilty

[Dave_Z]

Just read these from my mail:

http://lawfuel.com/show-release.asp?ID=14827

http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2007/09/fraudster-who-i.html

A Nevada man pleaded guilty Thursday to his plotting to steal URLs from their legitimate owners by impersonating a California intellectual property lawyer and send threatening letters to domain name owners in hopes of convincing them to turn over the domains to him.

The things people do to try to get what they want.

Be aware, folks...

 

[Kate]

I knew that people like that must exist
Even if you get threatening correspondence always check the credentials of the other party

 

[Spade]

I always wonder about people - although Ive heard of people impersonating lawyers, this is the first case Ive heard where someone was prosecuted for it.

Justni

 

[labrocca]

It wasn't me...I swear.

 

[Spade]

It wasn't me...I swear.

LoL.... Are you posting from prison?

 

[Dave_Z]

LoL.... Are you posting from prison?

Shouldn't it be Philip instead since he tossed Jesse under the bus? :hehe:

Domain name-topic wise, one person at the top of my head charged for such
is none other than the sex.com thief himself.

 

[PowerUp]

I wonder how many domains he has cheated from others.

 

[namebug]

Bet he isn't the only one, thanks for the story .

 

[Ronald Regging]

I think harsher punishments for white-collar crimes would certainly deter people. It's pretty crazy, but I always hear stories like these. Someone who gets arrested for breaking into someone's garage and making off with some power tools will probably do 3-5 years. While someone who embezzles millions, or defrauds others out of millions, will do probation - 6 months.

When you have the chance to make millions of dollars and the biggest consequence is getting probation to 6 months in prison, whats stopping you?

 

[scorpioncbr]

wow that sounds really incredible. Always check to make sure the perso who's threattening you actually is who they claim to be

 

[louddrums]

Dear Trademark Violator,

You must turn over the domain name:

I-Eat-Crap.com

or no more toys in your happy meal!

Please respond ASAP,

Ronald Mcdonald

 

[Mylore]

That's horrible. It's extremely frightening to be threatened with legal action, especially if you don't have the time or money to deal with a lawsuit. These scam artists prey on individuals who feel they have no other choice but to surrender their property. It's disgusting.

 

[Smiler]

I've read about some guy selling sofa.com in auction and almost got away with it. Now someone impersonating a lawyer and trying to steal a domain is another story. Probation to 6 months in jail is simply not enough but I hope this will deter other scam-artists in the future.

 

[italiandragon]

I've read about some guy selling sofa.com in auction and almost got away with it. Now someone impersonating a lawyer and trying to steal a domain is another story. Probation to 6 months in jail is simply not enough but I hope this will deter other scam-artists in the future.

Instead , I think this news will "create" more lawers

 

[louddrums]

I agree with you, there will be more so call "lawyers" - It is really important to verify the firm's existence and to be sure the lawyer actually exist.

 

[IAmAllanShore]

Never thought this actually ever happened "for real" - always thought it was just crying wolf when people mentioned this as a possibility. Shows what I know!
Thanks, Dave. :tu:
-Allan :gl:

 

[Dave_Z]

always thought it was just crying wolf when people mentioned this as a possibility.

Most likely these things largely go unreported, much more having reached this
point. Thankfully at least this one has been finally reported.

Oh, and ask John B about one case he recently handled. It's worse than this.