Domain valuation scam targets Sedo users
If you want to skip the background scroll down to my entertaining correspondence with the scammer, as he tries to hook me in.
Sedo is a service that allows owners of domain names to sell them in much the same way that eBay allows you to sell goods, either for a fixed price or at auction. It also provides an escrow service so that a transaction is secure (they get the money and the domain and then swap them between buyer and seller).
Domain sellers on Sedo have recently been targeted in the following way:
1. The seller places a domain for sale on Sedo.
2. The scammer scans Sedo for new domain listings and targets those listings.
3. The seller receives an email from the scammer. An important characteristic of this email is that it is not via the Sedo service - the scammer looks up the registered owner of the domain and contacts them directly through the domain's contact email.
4. This first email is the "hook". It offers a large sum of money for the domain and waits for the domain owner to take the bait.
5. Once the domain owner shows an interest, the scammer explains that he is very interested in the domain but cannot pay any money for it without a third party valuation service. He explains that he has researched valuation services and only a few are reliable and cost-effective. Gradually he narrows it down to one service that he insists on using.
6. If the buyer bites (what's a small sum to pay for the riches offered by the scammer?), then they will pay for the valuation service and submit the result to the scammer.
7. At this point the scammer no longer responds to emails. They got what they wanted - the valuation fee.
Here's my correspondence with the scammer:
Email #1 - the bait:
================================================
From: murphy@eliteinvestment.net
To: danny
Subject: [my domain name for sale (date sent)]
Hello,
I'm interested in your domain in the subject line.
Investing in domains is a profitable business. We are in real estate business. Sometimes we buy, sometimes we resell for making a profit.
Looking forward to do business with you.
Regards,
Andrew Murphy
Vice President
Elite Investment Group
================================================
Commentary:
- Notice how there is no mention of where this company ("Elite Investment Group") is based. I will press this point with "Andrew Murphy" later, but he wouldn't respond.
- At the time of writing there was no content in the domain that the email originates from (eliteinvestment.net)
- Further research shows that eliteinvestment.net is registered by Proxy, so the owners obviously want to hide who they are.
Email #2 - I bite:
================================================
From: "Danny"
To: Murphy
Subject: [domain name (date sent)]
Thanks, are you wishing to make an offer on my domain?
Email #3 - Trap is laid out:
================================================
From: Murphy
To: Danny
Subject: [domain name (date sent)]
Sorry for delay with answer. Our family was celebrating newborn child of my sister.
Can you accept 5,000 USD?
Do you sell domain with a web site or just the name?
Domain without content is ok with me. Web site is not necessary.
Have you had your domain names evaluated in the past? I mean domain appraisals. Without valuation we cannot be sure in the sale price. It's
very
important for me in terms of reselling too. But we must engage a valuation company with REAL manual service. So I will only accept valuations from independent sources I and my partners trust.
To avoid mistakes I asked domain experts about reputable appraisal companies.
Please check this blog with suggestions from other sellers and buyers: http://domainblog.007sites.com/587412.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.
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.
================================================
Commentary:
- Notice how the scammer tries to lead you to believe he relies on reputable companies by sending you to an obviously planted forum.
- The company he wants you to focus on is www.DomainExplorer.org - but he will narrow it down to that company later. For now he wants you to think the name of the actual valuation company doesn't matter. He just needs a reputable one.
- Notice that he is also talking about methods of payment to lure you in.
- Interestingly, the grammar is a bit wonky and inconsistent, which suggests this 'script' was adapted and 'perfected' by different people.
Email #4 - I test his determination
================================================
From: "Danny"
To: "'Murphy'"
Subject: [domain name (date sent)]
I only transact through Sedo, and do not require the use of appraisal companies who are usually just a scam.
If you would like to buy this domain I would encourage you to put an offer through on the Sedo site.
Thank you and have a good weekend!
Danny.
Email #5 - He responds and refocuses on the appraisal :
================================================
From: Murphy
To: Danny
Subject: [domain name (date sent)]
Sedo is a good broker and we can use it for transfer/transaction. Unfortunately , Sedo is not acceptable as an appraiser because your names are listed with them and they are not independent. They are interested in earning 10% commission on every sale. I need appraisals from a company which is not interested in selling your domains.
I heard many appraisal companies often made inaccurate appraisals. So I cannot accept appraisal from each and every site. I will only accept appraisals from independent appraisal companies I know and trust.
================================================
Commentary:
- He persists, because I engaged. As long as I am engaged, there is still a chance to hook me.
- Notice how I didn't mention domain appraisal services, but he keeps coming back to that point, as if it was a crucial part of domain sales. In actual fact, a domain is worth what a seller is willing to pay for it, and oftentimes pricing it is more of an art than a science, with a mix of luck.
Email #6 - I don't bite. What will he do?
================================================
From: "Danny"
To: 'Murphy'
Subject: [domain name (date sent)]
I thank you for your response, but I have no interest in these appraisal services, or in doing business with you this way. If you wish to place a bid on my domain you are welcome to do so on the Sedo site.
Regards for a good weekend,
Danny.
Email #7 - It's all about the valuation, of course, but let's narrow it down:
================================================
From: Murphy
To: Danny
Subject: [domain name (date sent)]
We both need independent valuation first.
Sellers always provide buyers with valuations. This is a common practice.
I don't trust $14 services like that GoDaddy's valuation service. Nobody will do a research for $14. We need a real manual service.
I researched several companies and here are the results:
I wanted to engage AccurateDomains.com as appraiser but looks like this company has very bad reputation Just read this blog http://accuratedomains.blogspot.com/
So I'm not going to accept this fraudulent service.
I also considered www.Afternic.com, but now it's clear their service is not reliable enough. Just read this: http://www.igoldrush.com/links3.htm "Capsule Review: After lots of complaints, Afternic is no longer a recommended service. We will re-review the service in the near future."
Another complaint http://www.out-law.com/page-1630
I was told about manual research service from http://www.DomainMart.com. It costs - $200/hour.
Many experienced sellers suggested me www.DomainExplorer.org as a trustworth manual service. They charge per name not per hour. I've read only positive comments about them.
================================================
Commentary:
- He seems to go back to the script. This is the mail he would use to narrow the victim down to domainexploere.org, where he wants me to go.
- I decide to repeat my previous email exactly and see if he would notice.
Email #8 - I repeat myself, will he notice?:
================================================
From: "Danny"
To: "'Murphy'"
Subject: [domain name (date sent)]
I thank you for your response, but I have no interest in these appraisal services, or in doing business with you this way. If you wish to place a bid on my domain you are welcome to do so on the Sedo site.
Regards,
Danny.
Email #9 - He keeps going... It's all about the valuation:
================================================
From: Murphy
To: Danny
Subject: [domain name (date sent)]
It's a big risk to proceed without professional valuation. I already spoke to industry experts and they prohibited me to do business without valuation.
Without manual valuation nobody will buy. You'll sit on your domain for years in this case, paying renewal fees to your registrar. Just think about it. So sooner or later, you'll have to obtain an appraisal. Why waste time now?
As a seller, you can use a valuation certificate to sell names to other buyers. I cannot do the same because I don't keep control over your domain.
I'm still interested in your domain. Hope you'll change your position. I simply don't want to take additional risks.
Thank you for understanding. I'm looking forward to do business with you.
Email #10 - I decide to confront him:
================================================
From: Danny
To: "'Murphy'"
Subject: [domain name (date sent)]
For someone in the domain reselling business you seem awfully focussed on the appraisal of one specific company whose domain is registered via proxy and that does not have a physical address, and appears on several scam warnings.
You also never mentioned where your company (elite Investment) is registered, and your own domain isn't populated.
Entertaining. Care to comment?
Regards,
Danny.
Email #11- This is clearly off script - so he sends one last ditch (none of my questions are answered):
================================================
From: Murphy
To: Danny
Subject: [domain name (date sent)]
No deal without appraisal from a trusted source. This simple rule has saved me a lot of money and time. Feel free to contact me when you change your position and let's do business the right way.
================================================
FURTHER SCAM INFORMATION
This pattern has been repeated in quite a few cases, but with changing names, often using the same script, for example: the same scam email (with the same text) was sent from:
Robert Gardos, CEO Elite Investment
Steven Campanella, Vice President, Elite Investment Group
Paul Rancour, CEO, ELI LLC
Eric Jorgensen, Vice President, Elite Invest Network
Tom Myers, 'Independent Cybersquatter'
Jeffrey Burnstein, CEO of OBS LLC (burnstein@theonlinebrokerage.com)
(source).
Robert Gardos, VP, TGS Technologies (gardos@toughguy.net) (source)
Further examples are here, here , here and here.
SEDO'S RESPONSE:
I wrote to Sedo saying: "I was wondering if you were aware of this sort of scam happening, and if so, whether you would consider placing some kind of warning for other users of your site. It can be very easily misleading."
Their response was:
"We are aware that there are unscrupulous persons around who will contact domain owners to try and get them to order an appraisal or sell the domain.
At Sedo, we encourage customers to use our appraisal service which is much more trustworthy.
You can always privacy protect the WHOIS record for your domain to avoid receiving these kind of emails in the future. You can do this through your registrar."
So, no, they don't really think they should warn their users, and simply suggest we use their services. Doh!
If you have been contacted in this way feel free to add your experience here as a comment, especially noting the names used in your case, so that they come up in Google searches and warn others.
April 6th, 2009 - 10:33
I’ve been contacted twice over two different domain names. I always wondered if the whole thing was a scam, directing me towards a 007 forum was the first thing.
My guy’s name was Sean Thompson. “CEO” of Elite Investment…and just like you I checked their website first.
Just wondering, I know this is a scam but has anyone successfully sold a domain to these people?
April 13th, 2009 - 07:00
I’m very embarrased, that I even spoke to this guy.
I’m not sure how he found me since I do not have my site for sale.
Here are all the emails mine to him and his responses. The bottom email is the first email from him to me.
< ==============================================>
Hello,
This is ok, as I will open a web hosting service. The renewal fees are not
much money so this is ok.
NE6V
Los Angeles Section Affiliated Club Coordinator
ARRL SW Division Cong.Dist.29 LAA
ARRL Life Member
—– Original Message —–
From: “Urbanski”
To: “NE6V”
Sent: Sunday, April 12, 2009 10:45 PM
Subject: Re: PHPHOSTED.NET (sent 04/12/09)
It’s a big risk to proceed without professional valuation. I already spoke
to industry experts and they prohibited me to do business without
valuation..
Without manual valuation nobody will buy. You’ll sit on your domain for
years in this case, paying renewal fees to your registrar. Just think
about
it. So sooner or later, you’ll have to obtain an appraisal. Why waste time
now?
As a seller, you can use a valuation certificate to sell names to other
buyers. I cannot do the same because I don’t keep control over your
domain.
I’m still interested in your domain. Hope you’ll change your position. I
simply don’t want to take additional risks.
Thank you for understanding. I’m looking forward to do business with you.
—– Original Message —–
From: “NE6V”
To: “Urbanski”
Sent: Monday, April 13, 2009 1:29 AM
Subject: Re: PHPHOSTED.NET (sent 04/12/09)
Hello Congrats to your brother!
The domains I listed are just domains. I do have 2 sites which I have
been thinking of selling, I do not have the time to run them. They are
Video Gaming Web Sites. Both of which I have had Valuations done on. The
combined values of those is at 45-50k.The “name recognition” is TOP
NOTCH, both are DMOZ.org listed and are very strong, many hits, each are
over 5k each hits per day. I can give you the url if you are interested.
The domain names I have not had a valuation done on. I would sell,
phphosted.net and phpservers.net, together only for 12,000 US. That is
for the names only no content. If I had to pay for valuations the price
would be more because of the cost and my time involved. One week ago some
man from New York contacted me about those domains. Maybe he is working
with you, I don’t know. We have gone back and forth in negotiations but
no commitment yet, so they are still for sale.So you can tell me if you
are interested in those 2 domains. Yes I take PayPal or alertpay.com.
Thank you-
ne6v
—– Original Message —–
From: “Urbanski”
To: “NE6V”
Sent: Sunday, April 12, 2009 1:01 PM
Subject: Re: PHPHOSTED.NET (sent 04/12/09)
We were celebrating newborn child of my brother. I apologize for delay
with my answer.
Can you accept 15,000 USD?
Do you sell domain with a web site or just the name?
Domain without content is ok with me. Web site is not necessary.
Have you had your domain names evaluated in the past? I mean domain
appraisals. Without valuation we cannot be sure in the sale price. It’s
very important for me in terms of reselling too. But we must engage a
valuation company with REAL manual service. So I will only accept
valuations from independent sources I and my partners trust.
To avoid mistakes I asked domain experts about reputable appraisal
companies.
Please check this blog with suggestions from other sellers and buyers:
http://domainblog.007sites.com/693018.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.
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.
—– Original Message —–
From: “NE6V”
To:
Sent: Sunday, April 12, 2009 11:48 AM
Subject: Re: PHPHOSTED.NET (sent 04/12/09)
Sir,
Thank you for your interest, I went to your web site
“eliteinvestments.net” and got this:
If you are the owner of this web site you have not uploaded (or
incorrectly uploaded) your web site. For information on uploading your
web
site using FTP client software or web design software, click here for
FTP
Upload Information.
It seems your web site is not up yet.
Yes I do own that domain and about 50 more. From php/sql type names
to
names for video game sites. Some of my video game domains are ranked
among
the top in search engines.
Some of the names that may interest you are:
phphosted.net
phpservers.net
mysqlservers.net
mysqlwebhost.net
phpuserserver.com
databasetechs.com
a1databases.com
a1pctechs.com
Those are just some of the domains I own. I do not register a domain
in
hopes of selling it. The php and SQL domains I had plans of opening a
web
hosting service. I have made other investments so that idea is now 2nd
or 3
rd on my list. I would consider selling domains if the offer makes
sense. I
don’t need the money and I know some of these domain names are very
good for
a web host, service providers etc.
Perhaps a phone conversation would be a good way for us to
communicate.
I can be reached at (phone number removed.) If you would please provide me with a
phone number also that would be helpful.
Best Regards,
NE6V
—– Original Message —–
From:
To:
Sent: Saturday, April 11, 2009 9:26 PM
Subject: PHPHOSTED.NET (sent 04/12/09)
Hello,
What is the price of your domain?
Investing in domains is a profitable business and our company is
interested in good and easy-to-remember domain names.
Looking forward to do business with you.
If you have other domains for sale feel free to send your list.
Regards,
Donald Urbanski
CEO
Elite Invest LLC
========================================================
April 17th, 2009 - 04:16
I think they have a new CEO every month!
?? Original Message ??
From: urbanski@eliteinvestment.net
Sent: Wed 4/15/09 11:17 AM
Hello,
What is the price of your domain?
Investing in domains is a profitable business and our company is interested in good and easy-to-remember domain names.
Looking forward to do business with you. If you have other domains for sale feel free to send your list.
Regards,
Donald Urbanski
CEO
Elite Invest LLC
April 21st, 2009 - 20:33
I just received this letter too.
and I decided to look at Google and see if there is any information about this person.
Thank you very much for the important info.
April 22nd, 2009 - 03:21
Hey…!
I just received the the same emails as you guys.
Don’t know what to say…
First email:
> —–Original Message—–
> From: urbanski@theonlinebrokerage.com
> [mailto:urbanski@theonlinebrokerage.com]
> Sent: 21 avril 2009 08:21
> To:
> Subject: d3-forums.net sent (04/21/09)
>
> Hello,
>
> What is the price of your domain?
>
> Investing in domains is a profitable business > >and our company is
> interested in good and easy-to-remember >domain names.
>
> Looking forward to do business with you.
>
> If you have other domains for sale feel free to > send your list.
>
> Regards,
> Donald Urbanski
> CEO
> Elite Invest LLC
Second email:
>We were celebrating newborn child of my >brother. I apologize for delay with my answer.
>
>Can you accept 15,000 USD?
>
>Do you sell domain with a web site or just the >name?
>
>Domain without content is ok with me. Web >site is not necessary.
>
>Have you had your domain names evaluated >in the past? I mean domain appraisals. >Without valuation we cannot be sure in the >sale price. It’s very important for me in terms >of reselling too. But we must engage a >valuation company with REAL manual >service. So I will only accept valuations from >independent sources I and my partners trust.
>
>To avoid mistakes I asked domain experts >about reputable appraisal companies.
>
>Please check this blog with suggestions from >other sellers and buyers:
>http://domainblog.007sites.com/693018.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.
>
>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.
>
>
April 28th, 2009 - 14:04
Hey guys,
another one here, this time Christopher Eagleson:
———————————————
Hello,
What is the price of your domain?
We are very interested in it. Good domains are wise investment in the
future. Our company is interested in easy-to-remember domain names.
If you have other domains for sale feel free to send your list.
Looking forward to do business with you.
Regards,
Christopher Eagleson
CEO
TB Real Estate LLC
—————————————–
and the following mail:
We were celebrating newborn child of my brother. I apologize for delay with my answer.
xxx. Ok.
Do you sell domain with a web site or just the name?
Domain without content is ok with me. Web site is not necessary.
Have you had your domain names evaluated in the past? I mean domain appraisals. Without valuation we cannot be sure in the sale price. It’s very important for me in terms of reselling too. But we must engage a valuation company with REAL manual service. So I will only accept valuations from independent sources I and my partners trust.
To avoid mistakes I asked domain experts about reputable appraisal companies.
Please check this blog with suggestions from other sellers and buyers:
http://domainblog.007sites.com/691428.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.
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.
how i love this nigerian-even-if-it’s-not-really-nigerian type of scams.
April 29th, 2009 - 08:17
I am currently engaged in “negotiations” with Mr Donald Urbanski for 4 of my domain names. I grew suspicious when reading the second email that offers money ($15,000), but then asks for a valuation. As I have never heard of business being done this way I decided to google him, and here I am.
Although Mr Urbanski claims to be CEO of Elite Invest LLC he uses an email address at theonlinebrokerage. com as does Jeffery Burnstein from the above example.
A quick visit to theonlinebrokerage reveals a very simple site, but interestingly the home button trys to link to the nonexistent eliteinvesment. net. This would suggest to me that the two have close links.
A Whois search of theonlinebrokerage gives a name, address, email and even telephone number.
Does anyone think this is somthing the police would take seriously, or should I just enjoy winding him up for a bit and leave it at that?
April 29th, 2009 - 22:30
I got this one today…
Hello,
What is the price of your domain?
We are very interested in it. Good domains are wise investment in the future. Our company is interested in easy-to-remember domain names.
If you have other domains for sale feel free to send your list.
Looking forward to do business with you.
Regards,
Christopher Eagleson
CEO
TB Real Estate LLC
========================================================
NOTICE – This communication may contain confidential and privileged
information that is for the sole use of the intended recipient. Any
viewing, copying or distribution of, or reliance on this message by
unintended recipients is strictly prohibited. If you have received this
message in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the message
and deleting it from your computer.
========================================================
April 30th, 2009 - 19:41
I have a Mr. “William Trotter” (eagleson@the onlinebrokerage.com) attempting to do this right now for my domains http://www.orlandoeliterealty.com and flanotenetwork.com. Something told me to “Google” “Manual Valuations” and I landed on this site! Thanks so much for the info. He almost had me at one point but my “Scamdar” was going off….lol
May 3rd, 2009 - 12:41
Boy, am I embarassed to say I was sucked into getting an appraisal from these guys. Brand new into the domain business, I bit.. Then got VERY concerned in was a scam, and quit the communication. They kept writing back, saying I would be sorry that I would not use their service to “sell” my domain! I am sure what they would have done, was sold it to a friend, sent me a check or bogus money order. I would have lost the domain, and a cash brokerage fee. These guys are getting better. Just got a letter from a Christopher Eagleson.. Same hook, a little bit different tactic. Do not do business with these guys, they are the scammers from Hell..
May 4th, 2009 - 18:12
I recently added some domains on sedo.com and have been reading more and more… and last week I received an email from “Christopher Eagleson”. I still haven’t reply since my research on the web brought me on this page. Thank you guys for sharing your experience !!!
May 4th, 2009 - 21:56
Ha! Well, I’m now a member of this illustrious club! Thank God I’m smart enough to get out here and do my homework before engaging with any of these spammers! I just listed some domains on Sedo for sale, and voila!, I receive a letter from Chris Eagleson as well:
_____________________
Hello,
What is the price of your domain?
We are very interested in it. Good domains are wise investment in the
future. Our company is interested in easy-to-remember domain names.
If you have other domains for sale feel free to send your list.
Looking forward to do business with you.
Regards,
Christopher Eagleson
CEO
TB Real Estate LLC
_____________________
I’ve had other spammers try to scam me by offering to buy links on one of my websites, and then what follows are email threats and claims that they’ve already sent you payment, please post their link, return their money, or they’ll file a grievance against you with Paypal. I just file their info and details of the incident with the FBI online, make them aware of that, and send them packing!
I guess they really don’t expect anyone to do their research, eh?
Chris Eagleson won’t be getting a reply from me!
The Fitness Diva
May 5th, 2009 - 20:58
Now *I* have fallen prey to this loser. Thankfully no deal went through – thought I guess the point is it never would have.
Here’s mine today. That brother keeps having those babies! And “Christopher Eagleson” sent it.
We were celebrating newborn child of my brother. I apologize for delay with my answer.
Can you accept 15,000 USD?
Do you sell domain with a web site or just the name?
Domain without content is ok with me. Web site is not necessary.
Have you had your domain names evaluated in the past? I mean domain appraisals. Without valuation we cannot be sure in the sale price. It’s very important for me in terms of reselling too. But we must engage a valuation company with REAL manual service. So I will only accept valuations from independent sources I and my partners trust.
To avoid mistakes I asked domain experts about reputable appraisal companies.
Please check this blog with suggestions from other sellers and buyers:
http://domainblog.007sites.com/691428.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.
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.
May 5th, 2009 - 22:30
No deal would have ever gone through.. Next he says that he wanted to resell it right away, but cannot due to ICANNs rules about having to wait two months first.. and offers to brokerage it for you instead for a fee of fifteen percent.. He then will “sell” it for you to another scammer, send you a bogus cashiers check, MO, or something like that which the banks will cash because they look real. You will send him his 15%, and get stuck losing the domain, the cash from the “sale” when the bank discovers the financial part is bad, and your 15% fee.. Would like to hunt these guys down, and put em all in jail..
May 8th, 2009 - 06:41
so here i created a domain recently and second day this jackass contacts me and is willing to pay the price i put forth. Anyways the second email gave it away, he recommended this website and my flags went up. So Obvious. Anyways be carefull.
P.S. why did my flag go up? Craigslist, scammers pull a stunt similar to mr eagleson. No body needs to know about his brother’s sister’s son or daughter.
May 8th, 2009 - 11:06
I have also got email Christopher Eagleson.
Please do not do any business such guy.
He wasted my lot of money on domain appraisal and finnaly he refused to buy domain name after getting appraisal from domainexplorer.org.
May 12th, 2009 - 12:21
I’ve received an email like this from this guy! SCAMMER!!!
de “weisberg@theonlinebrokerage.com”
ocultar detalles 09-may (hace 3 d?as)
fecha 09-may-2009 14:40 asunto negocios-online.net sent (05/09/09)
Hello,
What is the price of your domain?
We are very interested in it. Good domains are wise investment in the
future. Our company is interested in easy-to-remember domain names.
If you have other domains for sale feel free to send your list.
Looking forward to do business with you.
Regards,
Andrew Weisberg
CEO
OB Real Estate LLC
========================================================
NOTICE – This communication may contain confidential and privileged
information that is for the sole use of the intended recipient. Any
viewing, copying or distribution of, or reliance on this message by
unintended recipients is strictly prohibited. If you have received this
message in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the message
and deleting it from your computer.
========================================================
SCAMMER!!!!
May 12th, 2009 - 13:24
same scam here..
Hello,
What is the price of your domain?
We are very interested in it. Good domains are wise investment in the
future. Our company is interested in easy-to-remember domain names.
If you have other domains for sale feel free to send your list.
Looking forward to do business with you.
Regards,
Andrew Weisberg
CEO
OB Real Estate LLC
May 12th, 2009 - 13:25
and also a sedo new customer…
May 14th, 2009 - 15:30
Yep. I got Weisberg… still in communication at this time. He’s offering $15,000. His brother’s having the baby; must be a very large family by now. Thanks very much to this forum. I wish others good luck in avoiding this criminal.
May 19th, 2009 - 00:05
I got same email today:
Sorry for delay. We were celebrating newborn child of my cousine.
Can you accept 15,000 USD?
Do you sell domain with a web site or just the name?
Domain without content is ok with me. Web site is not necessary.
Have you had your domain names evaluated in the past? I mean domain appraisals. Without valuation we cannot be sure in the sale price. It’s very important for me in terms of reselling too. But we must engage a valuation company with REAL manual service. So I will only accept valuations from independent sources I and my partners trust.
To avoid mistakes I asked domain experts about reputable appraisal companies.
Please check this blog with suggestions from other sellers and buyers:
http://nametalk.007sites.com/Archive/693528.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.
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.
May 19th, 2009 - 14:26
Ha ha, thanks folks for the information.
Here is what I have received:
1st Mail:
Hello,
What is the price of your domain?
We are very interested in it. Good domains are wise investment in the future. We are in real estate business. Our company is interested in easy-to-remember domain names.
If you have other domains for sale feel free to send your list.
Looking forward to do business with you.
Regards,
Ronald Isaacks
CEO
JPS Online Real Estate LLC
isaacks@theonlinebrokerage.com
2n Email:
Can you accept 15,000 USD?
Do you sell domain with a web site or just the name?
Domain without content is ok with me. Web site is not necessary.
Have you had your domain names evaluated in the past? I mean domain appraisals. Without valuation we cannot be sure in the sale price. It’s very important for me in terms of reselling too. But we must engage a valuation company with REAL manual service. So I will only accept valuations from independent sources I and my partners trust.
To avoid mistakes I asked domain experts about reputable appraisal companies.
Please check this blog with suggestions from other sellers and buyers:
http://nametalk.007sites.com/Archive/693528.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.
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.
My Reply:
I just needed a few clarifications from you before going further and put up my domain for appraisal:
? What happens if the valuation is much lower than your offer price of 15000 usd? (The domain was registered very recently!)
? Is there any other way or method to carry forward this negotiation without going for appraisal?
The Domain having been registered very recently, I have my apprehensions about going for an evaluation!
Please let me know your concerns on the above, so that we can proceed further.
Awaiting your reply,
Thanks & Best Regards,
Venkatesh.K.L.
His Reply:
It’s a standard practice to show independent valuation to buyers/resellers.
Nobody will do business without it. I’m a businessman and have no intention of changing rules which help both parties to avoid additional risks.
Of course, investors never take into account auto-generated valuations. So manual valuation is a “must” too.
I read the following information about appraisals at:
http://nametalk.007sites.com/Archive/693528.htm
Thank you for understanding. I’m looking forward to do business with you.
Too many coincidence and what a wonderful way it would be to make money by selling domains registered 2 weeks before for 15000usd. ha ha ha
May 22nd, 2009 - 11:40
I’m an Internet Marketer based in Nigeria.
The same guy by the Michael Eagleson lured me into using DomainExplorer.org to do a Manual Appraisal on my domain names: CPAMoneyVault.com and iMusicVault.com
But what I loved is that before he could lay his hands on my funds, I have found out what he is and asked Plimus to refund my money back which they did.
Please, never fall for this guy. He is a crook.
Take care!
Ken Nwankwo
May 26th, 2009 - 16:48
Here’s another similar scam along the lines of the example posted here:
http://www.dynamoo.com/blog/2009/03/pozdecom-domain-valuation-scam.html
_
Enquiry received out of the blue May 26:
Dear Sir or Madam,
We are interested to buy your domain name XXXXXXXXXX.COM and offer to buy it from you for 65% of the appraised market value.
As of now we accept appraisals from either one of the following leading appraisal companies:
sedo.com
podzz.com
accuratedomains.com
If you already have an appraisal please forward it to us.
As soon as we have received your appraisal we will send you our payment (we use Paypal for amounts less than $2,000 and escrow.com for amounts above $2,000) as well as further instructions on how to complete the transfer of the domain name.
We appreciate your business,
Yours truly,
J. Harris
(Scammer’s email: john.harris39@gmail.com)
May 26th, 2009 - 17:54
Wow, they are going right for the domain names now!! Wonder how they are scamming Paypal?
May 27th, 2009 - 09:01
This is hilarious…
John Harris just got in touch with me too…
“Dear Sir or Madam,
We are interested to buy your domain name BLUETIGERARMY.COM and offer to buy it from you for 65% of the appraised market value.
As of now we accept appraisals from either one of the following leading appraisal companies:
sedo.com
podzz.com
accuratedomains.com
If you already have an appraisal please forward it to us.
As soon as we have received your appraisal we will send you our payment (we use Paypal for amounts less than $2,000 and escrow.com for amounts above $2,000) as well as further instructions on how to complete the transfer of the domain name.
We appreciate your business,
Yours truly,
J. Harris”
….this forum was a big help. You guys just helped me save a bunch of money.
Much appreciated!
May 27th, 2009 - 11:39
_
Here’s more reports of the same scam / spam email:
http://www.virtual-coach.com/forums/internet-marketing/1295-domain-name-buying-scam.html
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=21849899
May 27th, 2009 - 13:00
All I can say is “Wow!” I was contacted by Ronald Isaacks offering me $15,000 USD for my domains (StopMethAbuse.com – AmericanYouth.net – LifeCoachingForTeens.com).
He asked for an appraisal so I had one done at DomainAppraisal.org – then emailed Isaacks the results. Immediately he complained that appraisal was useless and that website was a scam.
He then insisted I use DomainExplorer.org, at which point I became suspicious, googled his company, and found this site. Thanks for the heads-up on this scammer!
If I weren’t so busy these days I’d seriously find a way to shut his website down!
June 5th, 2009 - 11:44
SCAM:
from: shecter@theonlinebrokerage.com
dateThu, Jun 4, 2009 at 7:24 PM
subject: crazythinking.com sent (06/04/09)
hide details Jun 4 (1 day ago) Reply
Hello,
Hello,
What is the price of your domain?
We are very interested in it. Good domains are wise investment in the
future. We are in real estate business. Our company is interested in
easy-to-remember domain names.
If you have other domains for sale feel free to send your list.
Looking forward to do business with you.
Regards,
Robb Shecter
President
The Online Real Estate LLC
June 7th, 2009 - 09:08
I found this page by googling: “selling a domain without valuation” after I got an email from a Robb Shecter, same EXACT message:
from shecter@theonlinebrokerage.com
to *my email*
date Fri, Jun 5, 2009 at 10:18 PM
subject *my domain name* sent (06/05/09)
Hello,
What is the price of your domain?
We are very interested in it. Good domains are wise investment in the
future. We are in real estate business. Our company is interested in
easy-to-remember domain names.
If you have other domains for sale feel free to send your list.
Looking forward to do business with you.
Regards,
Robb Shecter
President
The Online Real Estate LLC
And then this one when I “bit” on his offer.
My wife gave birth to a child. Aplogies for delay with response. We celebrated!
$$$$$. Ok
Do you sell domain with a web site or just the name?
Domain without content is ok with me. Web site is not necessary.
Have you had your domain names evaluated in the past? I mean domain appraisals. Without valuation we cannot be sure in the sale price. It’s very important for me in terms of reselling too. But we must engage a valuation company with REAL manual service. So I will only accept valuations from independent sources I and my partners trust.
To avoid mistakes I asked domain experts about reputable appraisal companies.
Please check this blog with suggestions from other sellers and buyers:
http://nametalk.007sites.com/Archive/695372.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.
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.
Thank god I did
June 8th, 2009 - 18:57
I just got mine from:
John Mike
CEO
Elite Invest LLC
Thanks for posting this information.
June 12th, 2009 - 09:55
Thanks for this post.
I’ve had a similar experience, which is why I searched to see if it was a reported scam.
The email patter was almost identical to those quoted above.
Name:
Robb Shecter, President, The Online Real Estate LLC.
Email: shecter@theonlinebrokerage.com
June 12th, 2009 - 13:21
I received the same e-mail after listing on sedo.
June 13th, 2009 - 14:22
Same guy sent me a mail
Name:
Robb Shecter, President, The Online Real Estate LLC.
Email: shecter@theonlinebrokerage.com
But now I am thinking its a machine that’s sending out the mails and not a person , all the email formats are the same and may be one or two changes .
I wanted to take him for a ride and told him which appraiser you want me to use, still he goes about explaining from the script.
Crazy guys good we are informed.
Thanks
Ren
June 13th, 2009 - 19:52
I just recieved the same scam email I did not bite though. This article did help but it doesn’t solve the problem did someone check up the whois information theonlinebrokerage.com? Did they report the theonlinebrokerage.com to the UK authroities about theonlinebrokerage.com and one of it’s user trying to scam people? If anything if this site doesn’t have legitimate credentials they can shutdown the site based on that. Then it will stop this user from sending more scam emails out to other sedo users…Like I said this article is great with alot of testimonies but if nothing is getting done then it is all a waste of even typing about it..
June 13th, 2009 - 20:21
I just contacted godaddy and checked whois..the guys name that owns theonlinebrokerage.com is Thomas Smerdon. I will be contatcting the authorities once I get his full credentials and try and get theonlinebrokerage shutdown.
June 13th, 2009 - 20:29
Alright found out his credentials though I am not from the UK and don’t know who to contact I was wondering if someone would contact the UK authorities his full credentials are:
Registrant:
Thomas Smerdon
11 High Street
Stoke, Hamdon TA14 6PP
United Kingdom
June 14th, 2009 - 17:57
Scot, do you think he will stop I doubt, he will register another one website and start operating from there, If sedo can send a emailer to all saying avoid this scam , I think that might help.
Ren
June 25th, 2009 - 00:07
I found this too late! I received the email from john.harris39@gmail.com and used accurate domains for the appraisal. Thank goodness I searched this before moving forward. I am only out $27.
Is there anything I can do to get my money back? Or at least report this guy? Thx!
June 25th, 2009 - 08:14
Hi Marty
You can try this http://www.consumerfraudreporting.org/reporting.php
But as far as the 27$ its gone for a good lesson learnt. Just do a research before paying anything, that’s the lesson I learnt, Take care buddy
Ren
June 29th, 2009 - 15:45
Ebay removed 4 of my domain listings at 3 am , got an email from onlinebrokarage at 3:30 wanting to buy my domains, I wonder if he was the one who got my listings removed somehow, called ebay and I’m trying to get them back on, nothing wrong with my auctions
July 1st, 2009 - 04:08
Well they suckered me – it was ‘Alex Wargacki’ who sent the emails offering 15,000 euros for 4 domains – and being a newbie to domain trading I was reeled in like a fish. I should’ve known better as I’m usually the suspicious type but there you go… But the credit card company and bank are going after these guys and I’m filing an IC3 with the FBI. My bank has already reimbursed me for the loss while they chase these rats. They operate behind proxy servers in Arizona. Can anybody confirm this Thomas Smerdon is a bonefide person and this address is genuine?
July 3rd, 2009 - 11:09
Valance, did you actually give over the domains? Do you park it somewhere or give your password? Just curious how they get you.
Thanks everyone for your replies and for ‘looking out’ for each other!
July 3rd, 2009 - 21:32
I have my domains parked at a few broker sites including sedo and that seems to be where they are finding them. I didn’t hand over any domains – just USD$230 for their ‘appraisals’. I’m curious to know who’s behind their Spokane phone number – gonna give them a call soon.
July 4th, 2009 - 11:36
These guys are very clever, as we talk there will be a lot of people like us who is being duped and there should be some kind of alliance between the appraisal companies and these guys. Luckily I was warned earlier by my friend.
Thanks
Ren
July 6th, 2009 - 06:30
I received the exact same email as above, with the exact same text! The person who contacted me called himself Mark Greenwald, CEO of http://www.theonlinebrokerage.com, and he also referenced the 007sites bog, and suggested that I use domainexplorer.org to appraise several of my domains that I had recently listed for sale on Sedo.com. Luckily, I became suspicious of him, and ceased communicating with him. P.S. I normally don’t post comment on the internet, but this was for a worthy cause. Seller beware!
July 10th, 2009 - 19:12
This is very amusing. I also received the same letter from someone named Mark Greenwald, a real estate broker. I noticed right away that he was trying to lead me to that certain appraisal company (domainexploer.org) and my guess was that he owned that company and was trying to get traffic to it. Just to humor myself, I had one of my domain names appraised at a free online domain company and they sent me results within 2 hours. They estimated my domain worth about $600. I sent Mark that information to see what he would do. Of course…he wasn’t interested in that appraisal. Thanks for posting this blog..it’s an eye opener and I hope nobody goes as far as to actually pay money at this scam’s appraisal company.
July 25th, 2009 - 09:16
Mine is a different CEO too!
Ledingham [ledingham@theonlinebrokerage.com]
Hello,
>>
>> Are you interested in sale of your domain? Please name your price.
>>
>> We are in real estate. But we are very interested in Internet names and
>> web sites too.
>>
>> If you have other domains for sale feel free to send your list.
>>
>> Looking forward to do business with you.
>>
>> Regards,
>>
>> Matthew Ledingham
>>
>> CEO
>>
>> OBN Real Estate LLC
July 30th, 2009 - 10:01
David, please share the free appraisal site with us. Thanks!
August 5th, 2009 - 20:26
Just got one of these:
We were celebrating newborn child of my cousine. I apologize for delay with my answer.
10000. Ok.
Do you sell domain with a web site or just the name?
Domain without content is ok with me. Web site is not necessary.
Have you had your domain names evaluated in the past? I mean domain appraisals. Without valuation we cannot be sure in the sale price. It’s very important for me in terms of reselling too. But we must engage a valuation company with REAL manual service. So I will only accept valuations from independent sources I and my partners trust.
To avoid mistakes I asked domain experts about reputable appraisal companies.
Please check this blog with suggestions from other sellers and buyers:
http://discussdomains.007sites.com/Archive/8063751.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.
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.