What sort of scam would this be?

[canswift]

I have had several of these emails recently, all the exact same wording, but from different email addresses:

"Hope you’re doing well,
Can you tell me if this domain is for sale and the price?"

Since the domains in questions are clearly listed on a brandable marketplace with all for-sale information and pricing, then why are am I getting these "enquiries"? It's obvious they haven't even called up the domain in question which would take them to the For Sale page.

 

[Abdullah Abdullah]

Well, maybe they didnt even check. I dont think you will lose anything if you reply to them.

 

[equity78]

I have had several of these emails recently, all the exact same wording, but from different email addresses:

"Hope you’re doing well,
Can you tell me if this domain is for sale and the price?"

Since the domains in questions are clearly listed on a brandable marketplace with all for-sale information and pricing, then why are am I getting these "enquiries"? It's obvious they haven't even called up the domain in question which would take them to the For Sale page.

May not be a scam but you will know right away, once they tell you they have an investor and needs an appraisal, then it is a scam.

 

[Abdullah Abdullah]

Yes, as equity 78 said, and with investor comes the appraisal certificate

 

[Angelicus]

Different email addresses - to avoid being labeled as spam I guess / or some other stupid idea
Why you are getting those emails - coz they want the price?
Why contacting you directly and not via marketplaces - coz they want better price (w/o marketplace fees)

Who knows really - have you tried to respond?

 

[canswift]

Yup, in each of the several cases I have responded politely with a link to the page on the brandable marketplace, explaining that any further offers or enquiries has to go through that marketplace. Department of No Surprise, I never seem to hear anything further and the names do not receive an initial offer from them.

I had figured that this might be the opening email in an appraisal scam.

 

[Angelicus]

Yep, probably script spamming for who-knows-what, or an appraisal scam.

Care.

 

[Kate]

It could be somebody trying to get a (binding) quote that is below the displayed asking price
It is also possible that the other party went straight to you as a result of checking the whois record.

Asking "is the domain for sale" is also a way to make sure the entry on your website is still current.
The likelihood is strong that you will be dealing with time wasters and tire kickers but I see no harm here.