discuss [Resolved] Domainer Loses $26k On A Stolen Domain!

[DaveX]

Darn! Another scam and this time it is an experienced domainer James Booth.

James must have thought he was making a sound acquisition as he transferred approximately 26k to escrow for CQD.com. Instead, after completing the escrow, the domain was taken from his account by the registrar without notification and returned to the "true" owner.

Turns out the person that sold him the domain CQD.com, may not have been the true owner.

Apparently this incident involves several parties including the registrar and the escrow.


Thanks to Theo over at DomainGang for the tip on this.

 

[DaveX]

What could happen is Rebecca gets the domain back then gets sued and loses everything including the domain because of her posts.

I dont think she should say more.

As mentioned, reputation is everything. She hurt his. And it cant ever be fixed.

Just food for thought.

 

[DaveX]

I wouldnt be surprised if web.com or booth or even NP filed suit.

 

[Grilled]

As mentioned, reputation is everything. She hurt his.

How?

... I don't think James has done anything to help his reputation. Despite the multiple opportunities he has had to do so.

 

[DaveX]

How?

... I don't think James has done anything to help his reputation. Despite the multiple opportunities he has had to do so.

Very true

 

[offthehandle]

What could happen is Rebecca gets the domain back then gets sued and loses everything including the domain because of her posts.

I dont think she should say more.

As mentioned, reputation is everything. She hurt his. And it cant ever be fixed.

Just food for thought.

You bring up a good point. This is all hypothetical, but let’s say the blog guy who came here and defended erasing one STFU post, and claiming here without any proof it wasn’t made by the same person, he could just as easily erase all of the other posts from both sides. Same with all other independent blogs. A truce of sorts. It happened before (I believe) as I recall when the physical threat about knocking teeth out or something like that was made on comments by one domainer against another.

I would bet that if she proves this was hacked to NS without legal intervention and to current registrant and he voluntarily returns this, and it is resolved, I would bet even Namepros might erase all of this. End of problem and no lingering effects.

 

[Kate]

Offtopic: another LLL.com allegedly stolen - recovery through UDRP failed
Source
After the recent case of jat.com this an example of how difficult it can be to recover a stolen domain. UDRP can work sometimes if the case is documented well enough, and the respondent does not fight.
There are legal options available, but I would expect Booth to defend his case. If I buy an asset in good faith I would defend my case too and let justice decide.

Maybe I missed a few posts, but I am surprised that Rebecca doesn't seem to have a lawyer yet. I would think that somebody who has had a long career in real estate should have a pile of business cards on the desk to choose from (hint: pick a lawyer who has experience with domain names). I understand her reluctance but quite frankly I think she could do with some assistance here. This is overwhelming for any normal person.
You clearly can see who has a lawyer and who hasn't. Those who have a lawyer stay mum or weigh each word carefully and they certainly don't post Ripoff reports making broad allegations. Who wins ? Usually not the party without a lawyer on their side.

PS: I think for the most part NP members are giving terrific advice as long as it's not their money and they are not in the same unfortunate situation

 

[xynames]

This thread is evidence that could be admissible in court as far as statements made by either party (plaintiff and defendant), assuming the foundation is laid that the statements were in fact made by the parties.

 

[DaveX]

James stated that he..and his lawyers.. attempted to contact Rebecca to discuss a possible solution when she first surfaced. Unfortunately rather than taking advantage of an open line of communication, she labeled it harrassment. Certainly was her perogative, but I think that I might have at least kept the line open for exploring possible solutions. I think that opportunity may be gone.

 

[Rich]

I'm scared at the thought of this being a plot with a colleague gone rogue, or dare I say, seller's remorse. As much as I don't like NS, a three month investigation (according to Booth) would yeild mucho info about ip addresses and pushes..why would they give the domain back if they didn't see something wrong? An escrow receipt and email by lawyer cover it? Don't mean to stir the pot, you couldn't write this. May the truth prevail

 

[Grilled]

Unfortunately rather than taking advantage of an open line of communication, she labeled it harrassment. Certainly was her perogative, but I think that I might have at least kept the line open for exploring possible solutions.

I can't speak for Rebecca regarding this, but I have to wonder if she labeled it as harassment, then I can't imagine the open line of communication was very friendly.

I guess that means James Booth has no intention of working with Rebecca to find the alleged thief / hacker.

 

[wwwweb]

I can't speak for Rebecca regarding this, but I have to wonder if she labeled it as harassment, then I can't imagine the open line of communication was very friendly.

I guess that means James Booth has no intention of working with Rebecca to find the alleged thief / hacker.

If you didn't legally sell your domain, and someone is in possession of it, and their lawyers states they want $2x,xxx for it back, what are you going to think?

 

[tonecas]

As mentioned, reputation is everything. She hurt his. And it cant ever be fixed.

like the shill bidding scheme on NameJet last year? Don't see anyone's reputation have been weakened and with consequences to their business...

 

[DaveX]

I can't speak for Rebecca regarding this, but I have to wonder if she labeled it as harassment, then I can't imagine the open line of communication was very friendly.

I guess that means James Booth has no intention of working with Rebecca to find the alleged thief / hacker.

It was posted by Rebecca that they were "harrassing" her. I dont think she took any of their calls. She should have those messages.

 

[Rich]

I can't believe he would offer to sell it back, would the "didn't know it was stolen" card hold? Not sure if it's incredibly generous for him to offer payments for a buy back it or if he's digging his own grave, hence the silence?

 

[DaveX]

like the shill bidding scheme on NameJet last year? Don't see anyone's reputation have been weakened and with consequences to their business...

The difference is ROR. Try googling James Booth Domains. Its on page 1. Try searching Namepros. Its on page 1.

 

[tonyk2000]

I can't believe he would offer to sell it back

This thread, page 7:

I am happy to resolve this by selling the name back for what I paid.

 

[DaveX]

I can't believe he would offer to sell it back, would the "didn't know it was stolen" card hold? Not sure if it's incredibly generous for him to offer payments for a buy back it or if he's digging his own grave, hence the silence?

Im not sure. But based on the sequence of events, I dont believe he was the thief.

 

[DaveX]

Right here, page 7:

May sound crazy, but I see that as a kind gesture. He didnt have to do that. She believed it was worth six figures. He seemingly had no problem getting out of the situation so long as he didnt lose his money. He would have lost any profit he may have been hoping for.

Then she could have had a single focus of catching the thief.

 

[tonyk2000]

May sound crazy, but I see that as a kind gesture

Must have been his own initiative, as his lawyer (or any lawyer) simply could not recommend such a thing (selling stolen property back to a victim)

 

[DaveX]

Guys, I apologize in advance if this offends anyone but again...

You buy a domain, use escrow, etc. Then someone comes out of nowhere accusing you of commiting a crime and demands nothing less than the immediate free return of the domain.

I really dont believe people would just go...Oh, sorry...here you go.