That Danny!
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.
If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
Wow! So glad you put this article up! I received an email almost exactly like the ones you showed! I thought it sounded fishy.
I like working with Sedo and have sold domain names through them, so I don’t blame them.
Thank you for your help!! I don’t want to set my domain name whois contacts to private since some reputable people do contact you that way to purchase a domain name. I guess I’ll just keep an eye out for more SCAM artists.
Thanks for your help!
Had exactly the same email yesterday and smelt a fish straight away. I said I wanted £20,000 and imediately he came back with an offer of £19,500 with the same domain appraisal letter as described above. Name used was edward-feinstein@webnamecorp.com
Not even going to respond to him after reading this and several other scam sites describing the con… Thanks for the info and advice.
WOW!!!! Its like you peoples helped me to literate on this.
I’m really thankful to you guys for sharing this issue.
Received same massage (First massage).
FROM: “Christian Bamberger”
DATE: Mo, 7.03.2011
Dear Manferd,
Can you accept 5500 eur for the following package:
[CUT]LIST OF TLD[/CUT]
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://www.thenamepros.com/Archive/618092357.htm
Do you sell domain with a web site or just the name?
Domain without content is ok with me. Web site is not necessary.
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.
on 4th this month my father passed away suddenly and i recieved an email from christian bamberger offering 6000 for my domain http://www.sweet2thebeat.com.
id usualy do bit of research and email check but being so messed up with what had happened in my life i just thought happy days abit of good luck.
i went to certifieddomainvalue.com as recommended by christian bamberger
and payed about £60 for appraisal.
couple days later i recieved appraisal for good few grand and i sent this to bamberger.
he then went on bout how his client had just purchased domains and he would then get a new buyer for mine.
lucky enough i came back to my old self and did my research to find out id been had!!!!
i emailed him back said nicely no deal and that id found out he was a scammer!!
he then gave me usual email trying confince me he wasnt and that my domain name would sit for years without a buyer without him.lol
lesson learnt, always do your research!!
I recived the exact same email sequence but from a name you did not have in your list. See below.
Thank you!
Greg Schlegel
CEO
Web Hosting & Domains LLC
greg-schlegel@name-deals.com
Ditto the above – received yesterday after listing on Sedo:
Hello,
We are interested in your domain name for sale.
Please email us your desired price in USD or euros for the domain name in the subject line.
If you have other names for sale please email us yiur full list with prices for consideration.
Looking forward to doing business with you.
Regards,
Thomas Lieberman
President
Web Hosting & Domains LLC
tom-lieberman@name-deals.com
On Thu, May 5, 2011 at 3:00 AM, wrote:
Hello,
We are interested in your domain name for sale.
Please email us your desired price in USD or euros for the domain name in the subject line.
If you have other names for sale please email us yiur full list with prices for consideration.
Looking forward to doing business with you.
Regards,
Thomas Lieberman
President
Web Hosting & Domains LLC
tom-lieberman@name-deals.com
Email 2: On Thu, May 5, 2011 at 6:51 PM, Thomas Lieberman wrote:
Ok.
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://www.thenamepros.com/Archive/21804632.htm
Do you sell domain with a web site or just the name?
Domain without content is ok with me. Web site is not necessary.
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.
He tried to scam me too.
Best Wishes,
Bruno Ratnieks
Wow received this email yesterday!!! definitely not doing business with this person. The email looks so familiar too. I almost put the domain name appraisal payment through yesterday but though I should wait it out one more day and do some more reading on it.
———————————————————–
We are interested in your domain name for sale.
Please email us your desired price in USD or euros for the domain name in the subject line.
If you have other names for sale please email us yiur full list with prices for consideration.
Looking forward to doing business with you.
Regards,
Thomas Lieberman
President
Web Hosting & Domains LLC
tom-lieberman@name-deals.com
Just got the email from Thomas Lieberman.
Here’s what I sent back.
—————————-
Hi Thomas,
The domain APRLoan.net is for sale for $1 dollar.
I prefer to use Escrow.com with buyer paying escrow fees.
Looking forward to doing business with you.
Mike
Domaiins.com
===========================================
NOTICE – This email does not constitute an agreement to sell the domain
stated. It is a business communication which is part of an ongoing
negotiation until a sales price can be agreed upon.
===========================================
—————————-
Let’s see if he still asks for an appraisal :)
Today, 5/12/2011 i received an e-mail from Craig Wademan:
Hello, We are interested in your domain name for sale.
Please email us your desired price in USD or euros for the domain name in the subject line. If you have other names for sale please email us yiur full list with prices for consideration. Looking forward to doing business with you.
Regards,
Craig Wademan
CEO Web Hosting & Domains LLC
craig-wademan@name-investors.com
========================================================NOTICE – This communication may contain confidential and privilegedinformation that is for the sole use of the intended recipient. Anyviewing, copying or distribution of, or reliance on this message byunintended recipients is strictly prohibited. If you have received thismessage in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the messageand deleting it from your computer.========================================================
REALLY Assholes!!!
Got an email from craig wademan:
We are interested in your domain name for sale.
Please email us your desired price in USD or euros for the domain name in the subject line.
If you have other names for sale please email us yiur full list with prices for consideration.
Looking forward to doing business with you.
Regards,
Craig Wademan
CEO
Web Hosting & Domains LLC
craig-wademan@name-investors.com
……………………………………………………………………………………………..
I replyed saying I would accept $150,000 for my domains and not seriously consider any offer under $55,000
Then he replied with an offer of $60,000-$80,000
And went on to say;
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://www.thenamepros.com/Archive/21804632.htm
Do you sell domain with a web site or just the name?
Domain without content is ok with me. Web site is not necessary.
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.
Regards,
Craig Wademan
CEO
Web Hosting & Domains LLC
craig-wademan@name-investors.com
…………………………………………………………………
I suspected a scam from the begining due to the style of his approach. After the second email googled some things to research this guy and this website thatdanny.com came up…. Thanks to OP I have found the results of this being a scam very fast…………………………………………
lol,,, I might send a reply saying I got an apprisial from cretifieddomainvalue.com and the prrrised it in 30 minutes to be worth $1.2M but because I like you I give you discount and you can pay me $80,000 after discount.
I only accept wire transfer through yourbigmommawiretransfer.com
Got the same email…from Michael Hardeman, CEO of Web Hosting & Domains LLC.
Thanks for putting this information up!!! It was very helpful, and saved me from being scammed.
Hello,
We are interested in your domain name for sale.
Please email us your desired price in USD or euros for the domain name in the subject line.
If you have other names for sale please email us yiur full list with prices for consideration.
Looking forward to doing business with you.
Regards,
Michael Hardeman
CEO
Web Hosting & Domains LLC
Hello,
We are interested in your domain name for sale.
Please email us your desired price in USD or euros for the domain name in the subject line.
If you have other names for sale please email us yiur full list with prices for consideration.
Looking forward to doing business with you.
Regards,
Sam Valenti
President
Web Domains & Hosting LLC
Sam Valenti to me
show details 4:26 PM (21 hours ago)
There will be no deal without appraisal from a trusted source. This simple
rule has saved me a lot of money and time. So I hope you will change your
position. Let’s do business the right way
I’m thinking about 6,000 – 6,500 USD for both your domains:www.xxxxxxxxxx.com – 3,500 USD
http://www.xxxxxxxxxxx.com – 3,500 USD
. What do you think about this price range?
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://www.thenamepros.com/Archive/41769352.htm
Do you sell domain with a web site or just the name?
Domain without content is ok with me. Web site is not necessary.
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.
Hello, i have also received the same email, and going to delete it anyway.
GOT SAME EXACT EMAIL FROM:
Sam Valenti president@your-domain-hosting.com
This is the email:
////////////////////////////////////////////
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://www.thenamepros.com/Archive/41769352.htm
Do you sell domain with a web site or just the name?
Domain without content is ok with me. Web site is not necessary.
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.
/////////////////////////////////////
I just received this email yesterday I will try to follow up in a later post
Here’s Mine: From- president@domain-hosting-service.com :)
The PLANTED FORUM: http://www.thenamepros.com/Archive/51848269.htm
Hello,
We are interested in your domain name for sale.
Please email us your desired price in USD or euros for the domain name in the subject line.
If you have other names for sale please email us yiur full list with prices for consideration.
Looking forward to doing business with you.
Regards,
David Grantz
President
Web Domains & Hosting LLC
***FOLLOW UP TO MY PREVIOUS POST***
Well I thought I’d play along to see how far this guy/girl/group will take things. It looks like this guy/girl/group will stop at nothing to SCAM PEOPLE
***FOLLOW UP TO MY PREVIOUS POST***
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
My Response to his previous email:
I use SEDO.com and will ONLY do transactions through them…. you can put a bid in through them….
I will not use an appraisal service because I know what I want for each domain. I could work with you a little on price but I pretty much have my prices set.
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
His Response (carbon copy of email#5):
Unfortunately , Sedo is not acceptable as an appraiser because your names
are listed with them and they are not independent.
Last but not least, they are interested in earning 10% commission on every
sale. I need appraisals from a company
which is not interested in selling your domains.
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Followed by another email without any response from me (carbon copy of email#7):
I guess he/she/they accidentally sent there next preset email…LMAO!!
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
My Response:
If you are a SERIOUS BUYER please excuse my bluntness and understand that the internet is currently used in so many ways to scam people. I will NOT pay for any appraisal at this time.
You can get your own appraisal if you’d like but I will not.
I WILL ONLY DO TRANSACTIONS THROUGH SEDO.COM
Thank You for Your interest
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
His Response (A carbon copy of email#11):
Unfortunately, we cannot proceed without the appraisal from a source we trust.
There will be no deal without appraisal from a trusted source. This simple rule has saved me a lot of money and time. So I hope you will change your position. Let’s do business the right way.
///////////////////////////////////////////////
//////////////////////////////////////////////
THANK YOU DANNY; YOU SAVED ME!!!!!
Infact Danny u hav saved a life,, i must say ur God sent…imagine my hard earned resources…these crooks would have duped me of 59euros…my own scammer sent from this address:president@domain-hosting-service.com…using the name david grantz….
i didnt need any other thing to prove to me that this thing that was happenin to me is scam…can’t thank you enough
On 12/06/2011, at 8:04 AM, wrote:
> Hello,
>
> We are interested in your domain name for sale.
>
> Please email us your desired price in USD or euros for the domain name in the subject line.
>
> If you have other names for sale please email us yiur full list with prices for consideration.
>
> Looking forward to doing business with you.
>
> Regards,
>
> David Grantz
>
> President
>
> Web Domains & Hosting 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.
> ========================================================
>
I’m thinking about 14,000 – 15,000 USD for your domain. What do you think about this price range?
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://www.thenamepros.com/Archive/61957348.htm
Do you sell domain with a web site or just the name?
Domain without content is ok with me. Web site is not necessary.
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: David Worth
To: ceo@domain-hosting-service.com
Sent: Wednesday, June 15, 2011 2:24 PM
Subject: Re:
Hi Bob
Desired price for the subject domain is $15,000 US
Kind Regards
David
—– Original Message —–
From:
To:
Sent: Wednesday, June 15, 2011 8:19 AM
Subject: re:
>
> Hello,
>
> We are interested in your domain name for sale.
>
> Please email us your desired price in USD or euros for the domain name in the subject line.
>
> If you have other names for sale please email us yiur full list with prices for consideration.
>
> Looking forward to doing business with you.
>
> Regards,
>
> Bob Bertolini
>
> CEO
>
> Web Domains & Hosting LLC
Well…..add another to the Bertolini spam quest.
This guy stays busy.
He sounded transparently fake almost immediately.
I always search names/emails etc as a matter of course and am amazed at how many scam artists turn up that simple way.
Thanks for your searchable data for scams….it helps.
Got some of the exact same emails for Sam Valenti (president@your-domain-hosting.com)
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://www.thenamepros.com/Archive/41769352.htm
Do you sell domain with a web site or just the name?
Domain without content is ok with me. Web site is not necessary.
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.
##################################################
Unfortunately , Sedo is not acceptable as an appraiser because your names
are listed with them and they are not independent.
Last but not least, 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.
###################################################
Unfortunately , Sedo is not acceptable as an appraiser because your names
are listed with them and they are not independent.
Last but not least, they are interested in earning 10% commission on every
sale. I need appraisals from a company
which is not interested in selling your domains.
###########################################
Unfortunately, we cannot proceed without the appraisal from a source
we trust.
There will be no deal without appraisal from a trusted source. This simple
rule has saved me a lot of money and time. So I hope you will change your
position. Let’s do business the right way.
#############################
Listed Sedo yesterday and got my “offer” from “Bob Bertolini” this morning – 5 emails so far! After reading around I will not be responding!
I must say these scammers work hard – a great deal of reading and typing – or very clever programming. Pity it’s not applied to a legitimate and useful purpose.
Just received the similar email 30 munits ago. thank you guys for these usefull informations!
same thing there!
de Bob Bertolini ceo@domain-hosting-service.com
à xxxxxxxxxxxx
date 6 juillet 2011 16:04
objet Re: xxxxxxxxxxx
I’m thinking about 65,000 – 67,000 USD for your domain. What do you think about this price range?
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://www.thenamepros.com/Archive/61957348.htm
Do you sell domain with a web site or just the name?
Domain without content is ok with me. Web site is not necessary.
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 you for your blogpost, I have a new name to add: ‘Paul Goldstein’
BEGIN QUOTE:
Hello,
We are domain investors. We have found your domain for sale at online auction.
Please email us your desired price in USD or euros for the domain name in the subject line.
If you have other names for sale please email us yiur full list with prices for consideration.
Looking forward to doing business with you.
Regards,
Paul Goldstein
Senior Vice President and Chief Business Officer
Web Hosting & Domains 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.
========================================================
END QUOTE
His email adres was:
vice-president@your-domain-hosting.com
Received: from n1nlshrout02.shr.prod.ams1.secureserver.net ([188.121.43.194])
From: ceo@brandnameservice.com <- domain registered same day as email.
Michael Stockman
Received: from n1nlshrout02.shr.prod.ams1.secureserver.net ([188.121.43.194])
Same here, mail from Michael …ceo@brandnameservice.com
keeps pointing to http://www.thenamepros.com/Archive/25749608.htm
Thanks so much for this post. I got an email from Michael Stockman as well. After telling him that the domain wasn’t actually for sale and that I’d like to hear his offer in any case this is what he sent me:
On 24 July 2011 09:32, Michael Stockman wrote:
I’m thinking about 60,000 – 68,000 USD for your domain. What do you think about this price range?
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://www.thenamepros.com/Archive/25749608.htm
Do you sell domain with a web site or just the name?
Domain without content is ok with me. Web site is not necessary.
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.
Hi Danny,
Thanks for the info…just received the same email today with different name:
______________________________________________________________
From: ceo@brandnameservice.com
Hello,
We saw this domain name listed for sale on the web.
Please email us your desired price in USD or euros for the domain name in the subject line.
If you have other names for sale please email us yiur full list with prices for consideration.
Looking forward to doing business with you.
Regards,
Michael Stockman
CEO
Domain Names & Web Hosting Clue 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.
========================================================
In my case the guy was some Paul Andersen,I had posted my domains on Sedo and exactly the same thing happened to me,even I ALMOST fell for it.
Even the wordings were exactly the same.I did a search for the company and it was no where present.
I am posting the emails below-
From:
Paul Andersen (andersen@brandnameservice.com)
Sent:
08 August 2011 20:53PM
To:
abhishek sardana (abhisheksardana@live.com)
499. Ok
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://www.thenamepros.com/Archive/51470329.htm
Do you sell domain with a web site or just the name?
Domain without content is ok with me. Web site is not necessary.
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:abhishek sardana
To: andersen@brandnameservice.com
Sent: Monday, August 08, 2011 3:50 PM
Subject: RE: road-rail.net – $499
Dear Paul
Thanks for your interest. I have given my price above and if it works for you we can go ahead with the transfer.
Thanks and Regards
Abhishek Sardana
> From: andersen@brandnameservice.com
> To: abhisheksardana@live.com
> Subject: re: road-rail.net
> Date: Sun, 7 Aug 2011 22:42:41 -0700
>
> Hello,
>
> We have found this name for sale listed in auction.
>
> Please email us your desired price in USD or euros for the domain name in the subject line.
>
> If you have other names for sale please email us yiur full list with prices for consideration.
>
> Looking forward to doing business with you.
>
> Regards,
>
> Paul Andersen
>
> President
>
> Brand Domain Name Services 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.
> ========================================================
>
Got the same mail too but he called himself George Petersen.
Thanks for this post!
From:
Date: Tue, Jul 26, 2011 at 7:37 AM
Subject: re: doghush.com
To: —–
Hello,
We saw this domain name listed for sale on the web.
Please email us your desired price in USD or euros for the domain name in the subject line.
If you have other names for sale please email us yiur full list with prices for consideration.
Looking forward to doing business with you.
Regards,
George Petersen
President
Domain Names & Web Hosting Clue 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.
========================================================
OMFG! I just got two emails like this regarding two domains I am auctioning on ebay. The “company” is brandnameservice.com, which is a parked page. I thought it was valuation scam, and your blog proved it. Thank you.
While I would love to bait the scammer, I don’t have time. If any of you would, send me an email and I’ll send you the scammer’s email.
Von pullman@brandnameservice.com »
Gesendet Di, 23. Aug 2011
An xx@xxxxxxxxxxxx.de »
Betreff re : xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hello,
We are going to purchase your domain name.
Our company is in hosting and domain name business.
Please email us your desired price in USD or euros for the domain name in the subject line.
If you have other names for sale please email us your domains with prices.
Looking forward to doing business with you.
Regards,
Mike Pullman
President
Brand Domain Name Services LLC
Posted domain on ebay, same scam.
“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!”
What is funny is that he wrote me as “MIKE PULLMAN”, I replied to “STEVE”(my error ahahaha!) and this douchebag repies as “GEORGE PULLMAN” and he can’t even spell PRICE correctly! Oh George must be his Evil Twin!!! LMAO!
On Sat, Aug 27, 2011, George Pullman wrote:
I could not call you. Just email the pruce. It’s easy :-)
—– Original Message —–
From:xxxx@xxx.xxx
To: pullman@brandnameservice.com
Sent: Saturday, August 27, 2011
Subject: Re: re: xxx.COM
Steve,
Give me a call.
MY NAME
1 555 555 5555
—– Original Message —–
From: pullman@brandnameservice.com
Date: Saturday, August 27, 2011 12:44 am
Subject: re: xxx.COM
To: xxx.com
> Hello,
>
> We are going to purchase your domain name.
>
> Our company is in hosting and domain name business.
>
> Please email us your desired price in USD or euros for the
> domain name in the subject line.
>
> If you have other names for sale please email us your domains
> with prices.
>
> Looking forward to doing business with you.
>
> Regards,
>
> Mike Pullman
>
> President
>
> Brand Domain Name Services 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.
> ========================================================
>
>
I’ve had the same attempt at being scammed…..almost got lured in. I only got the Vice President :-D
Anthony Taller
Vice President
Brand Name Services Inc
>>
Thanks for the heads up!
I received the same email yesterday.
Add another name to the scammers:
Jerad Martensen
martensen@domaininvestshop.com
CEO
Domain Investing Inc
Domain Name Investing & Web Development
Got the same email from a Michael Persson. Same body and subject. Thanks for the great post. Really.
This domain name can be very profitable with right marketing.
What do you think about 40,000 USD for your domain name? I’m also interested in
.COM
.COM
.COM
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://www.thenamepros.com/Archive/925607153.htm
Do you sell domain with a web site or just the name?
Domain without content is ok with me. Web site is not necessary.
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.
I also received a similar email yesterday, a couple of days after I had listed a domain in sedo.com
It was from:
Michael Persson
michael-persson@best-domain-investor.com
CEO
Web Hosting & Domain Name Investing Inc
Domain Name Investing & Web Development
Hello,
We are going to buy your domain name.
Our company is in hosting and domain name business.
Please email us your desired price in USD or euros for the domain name in the subject line.
If you have other names for sale please email us your domains with prices.
Looking forward to doing business with you.
Regards,
Michael Bortman
CEO
Web Hosting Investment Inc
Domain Name Investing & Web Development
Hello,
We are going to buy your domain name.
Our company is in hosting and domain name business.
Please email us your desired price in USD or euros for the domain name in the subject line.
If you have other names for sale please email us your domains with prices.
Looking forward to doing business with you.
Regards,
Michael Bortman
CEO
Web Hosting Investment Inc
Domain Name Investing & Web Development
I am new in this area and I was scammed. So when I right understand, the company http://www.certifieddomainvalue.com
is cheater and the appraisal from them has no value?
Thank you
Another mail from him:
This domain name can be very profitable with right marketing.
1600 eur. Ok.
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://www.thenamepros.com/Archive/936418269.htm
Do you sell domain with a web site or just the name?
Domain without content is ok with me. Web site is not necessary.
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.
Greaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat.
Thank you for your article. He was about to take me there. I felt there is something wrong and searched for such companies and found your page.
my domain name is: http://www.iphony.biz
I was really thinking to sell it but my mind changed and started a new bussiness using the domain name which is related to iphone.
Thanks again and have a happy life.
Best regards
Thank you sooooo much for this article. I just recently got a similar mail.
However, when i did a whois search for the company name i found it was registered by http://www.enom.com... they look like a real domain registrar and reseller.
But the guy’s email to me was written ditto as the examples you gave.
His name is Aaron Zuckelberg and he claimed to be CEO of name-boutique.com. This site is registered by enom.com as I mentioned earlier. I think this is a scam but the enom site looks professional.
You can please investigate further if you so desire. I am a newbie and do not know the intricacies of this side of things.
Thank you so much for this great article again. It really opened my eyes.