Domain buying fraud\scam

Recently I decide to sell one of my domains. After a few days I was contacted by someone via email. Probably he got my email from checking domain’s whois information.

From (1): info@vspace-services.info

Hello!

I’m a broker of an investor who would like to buy memonerd.com.

My investor has six figure budget for 75-80 domains.

Please email me your desired price.

How can we transfer money to you (wire transfer, escrow)?

If you have other names please email me the list. I may help you to sell them.

Regards,

Michael Friedman Woods, Ph. D.

Internet Domain Name Lawyer

5 Roundwood Avenue

Stockley Park

Uxbridge

Middlesex

UB11 1FF

United Kingdom

0345 467 2619

My answer was simple. You can buy the domain via Sedo and I have provided the link. Next day I got an email back.

From (2): info@vspace-services.info

 I’m not interested in transactions under $1000. My client pays me 10%-15% on every sale.

May I suggest to change your price to $5000? In this case I will earn a better commission.

I hope you understand my business model better now.

I started to smell something, so for an experiment I have increased the domain price from few hundred Euro to several thousand. After that I notified “the buyer”.

From (3): info@vspace-services.info

4499 eur –  Ok.

Before my client buys he will need one thing from you:

To be sure in legitimacy of this sale and to avoid possible trademark problems my client buys domains certified by an official certification authority.

The certificate my client needs must include two things:

1. Independent manual valuation of the market price. My client does not trust automated valuations. It must be a manual valuation. The expert evaluation will help to determine the true value of your domain’s worth so you can maximize profits during the sale. On the other hand, it minimizes risks of my buyer.

2. Trademark infringement verification. It proves your domain has no trademark problems.

If your domain has been certified please email me the certificate and we will proceed with the sale. If you don’t have a certificate I may send you a link where you can obtain it. Please don’t worry. It won’t take much time and money. It takes 1-2 minutes to order it. The results will be sent to you within 24 hours. Then you send me the certificate via email and we’ll proceed with the sale.

As a broker I’m very interested in a good valuation part of this certificate because my client pays me a commission (10-15% of the sale price) on every domain purchase.  You can read suggestions about choosing a right certificate agency at http://answers.google-answers.net/archive/threadview192724.htm (“Domain Broker” is my nickname).

The process is very easy:

1. Go to the Certification authority site (http://tools.domainsaletools.com/certificates.htm) and order a certificate for your domain. Just enter your domains in the “Domain List” field at Certificate Order Form (http://tools.domainsaletools.com/appraisal_order.htm) and specify in the “Comments” field you have a buyer with $X,XXX offer so you need an evaluation near this value.

After 24 hours you will get the results. If the appraised value in your certificate comes higher he will increase the offer accordingly.

2. Then send these results via email and we’ll proceed with the sale.

What a surprise. I need to spend a small amount of money to get a big amount of money. 100 % scam\fraud\phishing schema. I started checking everything what I know about this guy:

  • Email of the “serious” buyer is a free email box, not a company email. After I asked him about it, he explained me that he doesn’t need such “brand” email.
  • Provided address points to an empty building. Thanks to Google street view you can be a detective very easily.
  • Domain google-answers.net is fake one, to make you believe it is found via Google or something similar. Only one page is available and the domain is registered only few months ago:   http://domain-kb.com/www/google-answers.net. I even saved discussion page to pdf for the future readers Google Answers_ Can someone recommend a good appraisal service with a trademark verification_
  • The same applies to “Certification site”. Very young site (few months old) with a style of year 2000: http://domain-kb.com/www/domainsaletools.com

domainsaletools.com

What I did next, I have “placed an order” for evaluating my domain.

From (3): info@name-tools.net

Dear Customer,

You have submitted your domain for the certification. We will help you to certify your domain in 4499 euro range.


Please pay for the service at https://secure.2000charge.com/sys/PaymentSelect.asp?id=10564&pricepoint=10564100&purchaseamt=79&currencyid=EUR&purchasedesc=DomainCertification
After we receive your payment we will certify your domain. It will also include the TM verification. The results will be sent to you within 24 hours.

Sincerely,

Amanda Rosenberg

Customer Support

Here you see a new scam domain name-tools.net (http://domain-kb.com/www/name-tools.net), which points to the same site as domainsaletools.com. Payments site (secure.2000charge.com) probably has nothing to do with this fraud, but I am not sure.

I hope I have helped all the people who will be looking for information about this domain buying fraud. In general, be smart, think at first and don’t forget to check on the internet.

Google “frauds list” to see how many deceptions there can be . If it is too good to be true – then it probably is not real.

p.s. The funny thing is, that all domains are hosted in the Netherlands (NL), where I currently live. I hope the bad guys are not my neighbours 🙂

Update 2015-09-06. All mentioned scam addresses:

http://name-tools.net

http://tools.digital-certificates.net

DIGITAL-CERTIFICATES.NET

http://www.cert-tools.org

cert-tools.net

topdomainsales.net

Update 2015-09-12

http://www.tradera.com

http://archive.answers-google.org

http://www.dnjournal.com

 

92 thoughts on “Domain buying fraud\scam

  1. Dopcast

    Just got this guy offerring for dopcast.com. Here’s the exchange.

    From: cloud.hosting.brokerage@gmail.com
    Hello!

    I have a request from my buyer for purchasing DopCast.com.

    My client has six-figure budget for 70-72 domains. He invests in domains with good potential almost every month.

    Please email me your desired price.

    How can we transfer money to you (escrow, wire transfer or check)?

    I provide brokerage services for VIP domain buyers. If you have more domains for sale please email me the list with prices.

    Regards,

    Nicholas Weisberg, Ph. D.

    MCSE

    Vice President | Investor Relations | Cloud VP Hosting

    M30 0BP

    Regent Street 45

    Manchester

    UK

    My Reply

    How much are you willing to pay for it?

    Next Reply

    My client offers $15000. Is it Ok?

    Before my client buys he will need two things from you:

    1. Screenshot of your domain account. It will prove you are a legitimate owner.

    2. Domain certification from Domain Tools.

    This certificate includes two essential things: an appraisal of the market price and a trademark infringement verification.

    My client does not want to overpay so he needs a manual valuation of your domain made by industry experts he trusts. But if the appraised value in your certificate comes higher he will increase our offer accordingly. He also needs to know your domain has no trademark problems.

    As a broker I’m very interested in a good valuation part of this certificate because my client pays me a commission (10-15% of the sale price) on every domain purchase. You can read suggestions about choosing a domain certification agency at http://answers.google-answers.net/archive/threadview192715.htm (“Domain Broker” is my nickname).

    Please send the screenshot and the certificate to my email.

    If you are new to the certification process I can help you with step by step instructions.

    My Reply

    You pay for the certification

    The end.

    Reply
  2. Sanjeev

    Hi There !!

    Good work. I was on my way to research that scam and found your blog link. I too have received the same email. Your blog post saved my time to confirm it is just a scam.
    Kudos

    Thanks:
    Sanjeev

    Reply
  3. Walter Bobrovsky

    This guy is not a scam. He helped me to sell my domain. I want to say thank you for him.

    Reply
  4. Mehdi

    How can i thank you ? really ?
    I was contacted by someone who told me the same thing like you but witha different domain.
    You saved me from an expensive scam, thank you and may god bless you !!!

    Reply
  5. cakefesto

    thank you for your information same thing thing happen to me and i rejected the offer. after that they deactivated my account

    Reply
  6. B

    Same here!
    15000$offer
    And I’m also living in NL.
    One question?
    Where are your domsins hosted.
    Mine are in hostnet.
    May be he gets the info from there?
    Such a s..h..I..t way to make a few bucks…this guy is destroying nice website for nothing!

    Reply
  7. B

    topdomainsales.net

    Domain Age: 27 Days
    Website Speed: Very Fast

    Owner: Frank Bergman
    Owner Address: mattenstrasse 12
    Owner City: Cham
    Owner Postcode: 6330
    Phone Number: +41.794024081
    Phone Type: mobile: Swisscom Mobile AG
    Email: Related to 2 sites

    Owner Country : Switzerland
    Website Location : Netherlands

    Reply
  8. me too

    I got the same scam today. My domain name is for sale at flippa for less than $50 which I told him about but I still got the $15000. offer if I spend 79 euro at what I presume is his scam shop.

    Re: Offer to purchase bybytes.com
    Domain Broker
    Add to contacts
    7:38 PM
    [Keep this message at the top of your inbox]
    To: D Wheeler
    info@123-reg-uk.info
    In order to demonstrate his interest, he wants to make you a serious offer.

    He offers $15000.

    Do you have a domain certificate? My client needs this for accounting and tax purposes.

    Professional buyers require this thing before starting the sale process.

    If you don’t have it’s not a problem. You can order it online.

    Please note my client does not accept it from each and every source. Only manual services with TM infringement verification are accepted.

    The certification must include the following:

    1. Independent valuation of the market price. It will show your domain name is not overpriced. On the other hand if the valuation comes higher, he will increase the price accordingly. In the domain name industry, there are many appraisal tools that people use to estimate the value of a domain name. My client does not want to risk and doesn’t accept services that use scripts. If you are unsure about some service feel free to ask me.

    2. Trademark infringement verification. It proves your domain has no trademark problems. He would like this verification to be included in the appraisal report. It’s not a problem because some companies include the TM verification for free.

    I’m also interested in a good estimate of the market price because he pays me % on each sale.

    You can read about certification agencies at http://archive.answers-google.org/answers/threadview/id/107382.html (“Domain Broker” is my nickname).

    The process is very easy:

    1. Go to the certificate agency site and order a certificate. Just submit your domains and let them know you have a buyer with $XX,XXX offer. It will help you to get a better valuation.

    2. Send it to me and we will start the sale process. As soon as he receives your certificate he will buy your domain via an escrow service. Any escrow service will be able to pay you via Paypal, Wire, Western Union or any other method you prefer.

    He wants to ensure the safe delivery of the funds to you. Furthermore, since this is our first time conducting any business, I believe that using a third-party escrow service can provide a safe, well defined process.

    If you are new to the certification process, I can help you with the step by step instructions.

    On 05.09.2015 23:19, D Wheeler wrote:

    Hi,
    Yes the domain is currently for sale at

    https://flippa.com/5513316

    with a low reserve. You and your client might get a bargain.

    Regards

    > From: info@123-reg-uk.info
    >
    > Subject: Offer to purchase bybytes.com
    > Date: Sat, 5 Sep 2015 00:57:49 -0700
    >
    > Hello!
    >
    > I represent a businessman from Europe who is interested in purchasing bybytes.com.
    >
    > I located your contact information in a domain name whois lookup and understand that you own the domain name.
    >
    > Are you still interested in selling?
    >
    > I work for a hosting company from UK. I help our clients to buy names. If you have more domains, please email me the list.
    >
    > Are you a beginner or an experienced seller?
    >
    > Best Regards,
    >
    > James Stanley
    >
    > Vice President
    >
    > 123 REG UK

    Reply
    1. Robert

      Looks like the one I just got from a guy at “TRADERA” wanting to “buy” a domain for his “client”

      ———–

      Hello!

      Our client is interested in purchasing brainwavebooster.com for a new project.

      I located your contact information in a domain name whois lookup and understand that you own the domain name.

      Are you still interested in selling?

      I work for Tradera (owned by Paypal).

      I help our clients to buy and sell intellectual properties.

      Do you have more domains? Can you send a list?

      Are you an experienced seller?

      Best Regards,

      Eric Johansson

      Vice President

      Tradera

      http://www.tradera.com

      Reply
  9. Andrius Post author

    For you all: thanks for sharing! Keep posting in the comments all new web addresses, so this scam process gets some financial damage.

    Reply
  10. Richard

    Thanks for sharing…here is scam email I received which is very similar:

    Hello!

    I’m a representative of a businessman who wants to purchase socialmediaalerts.com.

    Are you still interested in selling?

    I work for an online Swedish company (local subsidiary of Paypal).

    I help our clients to buy and sell domains. Do you have more domains for sale? Can you send a list?

    Are you a beginner in domain sales or an experienced seller?

    Best Regards,

    Martin Jansson

    Vice President

    Tradera Auctions

    http://www.tradera.com

    Tradera Investor Relations
    5:45 PM (7 hours ago)

    to me
    You can read about my domain sales at Tradera here: http://www.dnjournal.com/ytd-sales-charts.htm

    We have completed several big sales in 2015.

    The buyer is an investor from Norway.

    He offers $15,000 for all three names.

    Do you have a certificate?

    My buyer needs the certificate for accounting/tax purposes.

    If you don’t have it’s not a problem. You can order it online.

    Please note he cannot accept it from any agency. He needs a manual service.

    The certification must include the following:

    1. Independent valuation of the market price. It will show your domain name is not overpriced. On the other hand if the valuation comes higher, he will increase the price accordingly. In the domain name industry, there are many appraisal tools that people use to estimate the value of a domain name. My client does not want to risk and doesn’t accept services that use scripts. If you are unsure about some service feel free to ask me.

    2. Trademark infringement verification. It proves your domain has no trademark problems. He would like this verification to be included in the appraisal report. It’s not a problem because some companies include the TM verification for free.

    I’m also interested in a good estimate of the market price because he pays me % on each sale.

    You can read about certification agencies at http://archive.answers-google.org/answers/threadview/id/157960.html (“Tradera Sales” is my nickname).

    The process is very easy:

    1. Go to the certificate agency site and order a certificate. Just submit your domains and let them know you have a buyer with $XX,XXX offer. It will help you to get a better valuation.

    2. Send it to me and we will start the sale process. As soon as he receives your certificate he will buy your domain via an escrow service. Any escrow service will be able to pay you via Paypal, Wire, Western Union or any other method you prefer.

    He wants to ensure the safe delivery of the funds to you. Furthermore, since this is our first time conducting any business, I believe that using a third-party escrow service can provide a safe, well defined process.

    If you are new to the certification process, I can help you with the step by step instructions.

    I’ll be posting full article on my website. I’ve sold numerous domains over the years and this is the first time I’ve ever been hit with something for “domain certification”.

    Reply
  11. Uzy

    Hello everyone.. i just got the same scammer. i think they want to make sales on certification . and all look scam..

    Hello!

    I represent a businessman from Europe who is interested in purchasing DealnPay [ dot ] com.

    I located your contact information in a domain name whois lookup and understand that you own the domain name.

    Are you still interested in selling?

    I work for a hosting company from UK. I help our clients to buy names. If you have more domains, please email me the list.

    Are you a beginner or an experienced seller?

    Best Regards,

    James Stanley

    Vice President

    123 REG UK

    Reply
  12. Walter Bobrovsky

    This is not a scam. You simply did not try to use. it. This person helped me to sell my domain.

    Reply
      1. Robert

        Bah right, Walter Bobrovsky? Where do they find these names I guarantee someone told the scammer they are on here, so they tried to comment and claim legitimacy. I got hit with the same thing 20 minutes ago.

        Hello!

        Our client is interested in purchasing brainwavebooster.com for a new project.

        I located your contact information in a domain name whois lookup and understand that you own the domain name.

        Are you still interested in selling?

        I work for Tradera (owned by Paypal).

        I help our clients to buy and sell intellectual properties.

        Do you have more domains? Can you send a list?

        Are you an experienced seller?

        Best Regards,

        Eric Johansson
        Vice President
        Tradera
        http://www.tradera.com

        Reply
  13. Rah

    Yep I just received the same scam. It appears there are several VP’s at the 123 UK address. The could’ve at created a more realistic address.

    Also, by the way I have the following domains for sale if you’re interested.
    Umcnow.com, urbanlifedaily.com, gistserv.com, umcstreaming.com, career-wiz.com, searchhomeslasvegas.com and gist-wiz.com.

    Here’s the correspondence:

    From: Domain Broker

    Sent: Saturday, September 12, 2015 9:26 AM

    To:

    Subject: Re: Offer to purchase career-wiz.com

    The buyer is an investor from Norway.

    He offers $15,000.

    Do you have a certificate?

    My buyer needs the certificate for accounting/tax purposes.

    If you don’t have it’s not a problem. You can order it online.

    Please note he cannot accept it from any agency. He needs a manual service.

    The certification must include the following:

    1. Independent valuation of the market price. It will show your domain name is not overpriced. On the other hand if the valuation comes higher, he will increase the price accordingly. In the domain name industry, there are many appraisal tools that people use to estimate the value of a domain name. My client does not want to risk and doesn’t accept services that use scripts. If you are unsure about some service feel free to ask me.

    2. Trademark infringement verification. It proves your domain has no trademark problems. He would like this verification to be included in the appraisal report. It’s not a problem because some companies include the TM verification for free.

    I’m also interested in a good estimate of the market price because he pays me % on each sale.

    You can read about certification agencies at http://archive.answers-google.org/answers/threadview/id/107495.html (“Domain Broker” is my nickname).

    The process is very easy:

    1. Go to the certificate agency site and order a certificate. Just submit your domains and let them know you have a buyer with $XX,XXX offer. It will help you to get a better valuation.

    2. Send it to me and we will start the sale process. As soon as he receives your certificate he will buy your domain via an escrow service. Any escrow service will be able to pay you via Paypal, Wire, Western Union or any other method you prefer.

    He wants to ensure the safe delivery of the funds to you. Furthermore, since this is our first time conducting any business, I believe that using a third-party escrow service can provide a safe, well defined process.

    If you are new to the certification process, I can help you with the step by step instructions.

    On 12.09.2015 17:11, wrote:

    What’s your offer price?

    Sent from my BlackBerry 10 smartphone on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network.
    Original Message
    From: info@123-reg-co-uk.info
    Sent: Saturday, September 12, 2015 1:31 AM
    To:
    Subject: Offer to purchase career-wiz.com

    Hello!

    I’m a representative of a businessman who wants to purchase career-wiz.com.

    Are you still interested in selling?

    I work for a hosting company based in UK.

    I help our clients to buy and sell domains. Do you have more domains for sale? Can you send a list?

    Are you a beginner or an experienced seller?

    Best Regards,

    Edward Barrett

    Vice President

    123 REG UK

    Reply
  14. Satpal Singh

    Hell everybody
    I got the following email. I replied and he offered $15000 for my domain. His reply is also pasted below.
    I am surprised, is it scam?
    Please help
    Regards

    Hello!

    I’m a representative of a businessman who wants to purchase agriexams.com.

    I located your contact information in a domain name whois lookup and understand that you own the domain name.

    Are you still interested in selling?

    I work for a hosting company based in UK.

    I help our clients to buy and sell web sites and domains.

    Do you have more domains? Can you send a list?

    Are you an experienced seller?

    Best Regards,

    Edward Barrett

    Vice President

    123 REG UK

    His reply to me:

    The buyer is an investor from Norway.

    He offers $15,000.

    Do you have a certificate?

    My buyer needs the certificate for accounting/tax purposes.

    If you don’t have it’s not a problem. You can order it online.

    Please note he cannot accept it from any agency. He needs a manual service.

    The certification must include the following:

    1. Independent valuation of the market price. It will show your domain name is not overpriced. On the other hand if the valuation comes higher, he will increase the price accordingly. In the domain name industry, there are many appraisal tools that people use to estimate the value of a domain name. My client does not want to risk and doesn’t accept services that use scripts. If you are unsure about some service feel free to ask me.

    2. Trademark infringement verification. It proves your domain has no trademark problems. He would like this verification to be included in the appraisal report. It’s not a problem because some companies include the TM verification for free.

    I’m also interested in a good estimate of the market price because he pays me % on each sale.

    You can read about certification agencies at http://archive.answers-google.org/answers/threadview/id/107495.html (“Domain Broker” is my nickname).

    The process is very easy:

    1. Go to the certificate agency site and order a certificate. Just submit your domains and let them know you have a buyer with $XX,XXX offer. It will help you to get a better valuation.

    2. Send it to me and we will start the sale process. As soon as he receives your certificate he will buy your domain via an escrow service. Any escrow service will be able to pay you via Paypal, Wire, Western Union or any other method you prefer.

    He wants to ensure the safe delivery of the funds to you. Furthermore, since this is our first time conducting any business, I believe that using a third-party escrow service can provide a safe, well defined process.

    If you are new to the certification process, I can help you with the step by step instructions.

    Reply
  15. Thetimetours

    Same method :((
    ———————————————————
    info@123-reg-uk-hosting.info

    to me

    Hello!

    I represent a businessman who is going to buy REMOVED-DOMAIN.com.

    I located your contact information in a domain name whois lookup and understand that you own the domain name.

    Are you still interested in selling?

    I work for a hosting company based in UK.

    I help our clients to buy and sell web sites and domains.

    Do you have more names? Can you send a list?

    Are you an experienced seller?

    Best Regards,

    Stephen Kane

    Vice President

    123 REG UK

    ——————————————————
    The buyer is an investor from Norway.

    He offers $5,000.

    Do you have a certificate?

    My buyer needs the certificate for accounting/tax purposes.

    If you don’t have it’s not a problem. You can order it online.

    Please note he cannot accept it from any agency. He needs a manual service.

    The certification must include the following:

    1. Independent valuation of the market price. It will show your domain name is not overpriced. On the other hand if the valuation comes higher, he will increase the price accordingly. In the domain name industry, there are many appraisal tools that people use to estimate the value of a domain name. My client does not want to risk and doesn’t accept services that use scripts. If you are unsure about some service feel free to ask me.

    2. Trademark infringement verification. It proves your domain has no trademark problems. He would like this verification to be included in the appraisal report. It’s not a problem because some companies include the TM verification for free.

    I’m also interested in a good estimate of the market price because he pays me % on each sale.

    You can read about certification agencies at http://archive.answers-google.org/answers/threadview/id/107495.html (“Domain Broker” is my nickname).

    The process is very easy:

    1. Go to the certificate agency site and order a certificate. Just submit your domains and let them know you have a buyer with $XX,XXX offer. It will help you to get a better valuation.

    2. Send it to me and we will start the sale process. As soon as he receives your certificate he will buy your domain via an escrow service. Any escrow service will be able to pay you via Paypal, Wire, Western Union or any other method you prefer.

    He wants to ensure the safe delivery of the funds to you. Furthermore, since this is our first time conducting any business, I believe that using a third-party escrow service can provide a safe, well defined process.

    If you are new to the certification process, I can help you with the step by step instructions.

    —————————–

    The certification service of GoDaddy does not include appraisal and TM infringement verification. My client cannot accept it.

    Since you are new I can help you with step by step instructions how to obtain a certificate. Please go to Top Domain Sales

    My client accepts their certificates. It’s very important because he does not want to risk and does not accept each and every certification service.

    Enter your domain there and write in the comment field you have a buyer with $XX,XXX offer. It will help you to get a better valuation.

    It will take only 2 minutes to submit your domains.

    They will send you the results within 24 hours. Simply resend me the certificate via email.

    After we receive your certificate we will proceed with the sale. I may help you with the transfer process. Please don’t worry. I will be with you during the whole sale/transfer process. You can count on my help.

    Reply
  16. Fraud

    the same scam from the same person also with me.

    from: info@123-reg-co-uk.info

    Hello!

    I represent a businessman who is going to buy your domain.

    I located your contact information in a domain name whois lookup and understand that you own the domain name.

    Are you still interested in selling?

    I work for a hosting company based in UK.

    I help our clients to buy and sell web sites and domains.

    Do you have more names? Can you send a list?

    Are you an experienced seller?

    Best Regards,

    Stephen Kane

    Vice President

    123 REG UK

    Reply
  17. Walter Bobrovsky

    Not a scam. He helped me to sell my domain. Have you ordered the certificate?

    If not, how can you judge?

    Reply
    1. sas

      Please Mr scammer stop trying to defend yourself by posting using different aliases on different websites. If you are really genuine, provide proof that your domain was sold???

      Reply
  18. Alex

    This is 100% scam, I have purchased domain certificates and even listed my sites on http://instantdomainsales.com, but after coming to this blog (I should have research before got scammed) found same website (http://topdomainsales.net) with same information and even I see my domains listed in both sites. These people creating different sites and scamming the people. I am one of them got scammed. If true why they create duplicate sites. The buyer who promised me buy my sites , his email no longer working and getting bounce. See below sites with same information,

    http://archive.answers-google.org/answers/threadview/id/9125709.html

    http://archive.answers-google.org/answers/threadview/id/157960.html

    http://topdomainsales.net/

    http://instantdomainsales.com

    Reply
  19. Petar

    It is good that you have created this blog….I got half scammed by them…I paid the 159 euros for certificate but when i received it, and wanted to make a deal, I offered http://www.escrow.com as means of finishing the deal. The supposed broker wrote to me “my client only works with smartdomainsales.net and they offer escrow services…..Well, after i received his e-mail, i landed on your blog!!! Still pissed for the 159 euros, but i have my domain with me at least!!!!

    Reply
  20. Petar

    domains@123-reg-support.info is their new e-mail for scamming! I wonder if this group is not the same with the e-mail scams about rich NIgerian dictator who left a fortune and all you have to do is send them your bank account…

    Reply
  21. Jack Frost

    OMG! Thank goodness my spidey senses went off and googled the email and web sites. I, too, got the email and have just uploaded my domain names for certification… whew!!! They have not got back to me yet since I just posted them 2 hours ago. TG for this site; I almost paid them. Here’s my exchange with this scammer:

    From: Domain Broker [mailto:domains@123-reg-support.info]
    Sent: Monday, November 23, 2015 8:29 AM
    To: me
    Subject: Re: Offer to purchase pattyfrost.com

    The buyer will pay you the appraised value. I think it will be fair and secure for both parties.

    Based on my experience, I think your name is in $15,000 – $20,000 range and my client has enough funds to pay you this sum.

    Do you have a certificate of the appraised value?

    If you don’t have it’s not a problem. You can order it online.

    He needs it from a source he knows and trusts.

    I’m also interested in a good estimate of the market price because he pays me % on each sale.

    The process is very easy:

    1. Go to the certificate agency site (see instructions below) and submit your domain for the certification. Please let them know you have a buyer with $XX,XXX offer. It will help you to get a better valuation. In the comment field please ask them to guarantee that the appraised value will be higher than the appraisal service fee. In this case you will not risk to pay and get a low appraisal. I suggest you this company because they protect you as the seller from getting a low appraised value. They will send you the payment instruction only if your domain is worth $1000 or higher. Otherwise your request will be declined and you will not pay hem anything. Other companies does not offer this option.

    2. If your request will be approved, please pay them the fee and wait for 24 hours. Then send me the results via email and we will start the sale process. As soon as he receives your certificate, he will buy your domain via an escrow service. Any escrow service will be able to pay you via Paypal, Wire, Western Union or any other method you prefer.

    He wants to ensure the safe delivery of the funds to you. Furthermore, since this is our first time conducting any business, I believe that using a third-party escrow service can provide a safe, well defined sale process.

    The certificate must include only 2 things to be accepted by my buyer:

    1. Independent valuation of the market price. Only manual valuation is accepted. No valuations generated by scripts.

    2. Trademark infringement verification. It proves your domain has no trademark problems. He would like this verification to be included in the appraisal report. It’s not a problem because some companies include the TM verification for free.

    You can read about the recommended certification agency at Google Answers: http://archive.answers-google.org/answers/threadview/id/9412037.html (“Domain Broker” is my nickname there).

    If you are new to certifications, I can send you step by step instructions.

    On 23.11.2015 17:51, Patty wrote:

    Hello Mike,

    I just read your email and thank you for the interest in my domain name,
    pattyfrost.com I am interested in selling the domain name and would like to
    know what your client is offering as a sale price for it? Besides this
    domain my husband and I own parityware.com and cradlegames.com. We are not
    experienced in selling domain names and have had these for past personal
    business whether as development pages for my husband or in the case of
    pattyfrost.com a page in which we did a web project with our kids and used
    for email purposes. We have gotten many offers to purchase these names, but
    up till now have not been interested to do so.

    I look forward to hearing from you!

    Regards,
    Patty

    —–Original Message—–
    From: domains@123-reg-support.info [mailto:domains@123-reg-support.info]
    Sent: Sunday, November 22, 2015 2:21 AM
    To: me
    Subject: Offer to purchase pattyfrost.com

    Hello!

    Our client is interested in purchasing pattyfrost.com.

    The buyer is an investor from Canada with $185,000 budget for different
    online projects.

    He is a professional investor with 17 years of experience.

    I located your contact information in a domain name whois lookup and
    understand that you own the domain name.

    Are you still interested in selling?

    I work for a hosting company based in UK.

    I help our clients to buy and sell intellectual properties.

    Do you have more names? Can you send a list?

    Are you an experienced seller?

    Best Regards,

    Mike Davidson

    Sale Specialist

    123 REG UK

    Reply
  22. Jack Frost

    Ok, they have gotten back to me… thanks again for this site!! Here’s what they said:

    Dear John,

    We have reviewed your application and it has been approved.

    The certifications will include appraisal, TM verification and owner’s validation. It will be a manual service (no scripts). We will take into account the offer you have ($15,000 $20,000 range). It will increase the final appraised value. Your domains have a very good potential and we guarantee the final appraised value will be much higher than the certification fee.

    Please pay for the certification of 2 domains ($99 each) by credit card/wire here:
    https://secure.shareit.com/shareit/checkout.html?PRODUCT%5B300670968%5D=3

    If this link does not work from your email, please use this payment link
    http://smartdomainsales.net/order_certification.asp?qty=3

    Because you are our new customer we need to avoid possible credit card fraud and chargeback risks. Please send us the following statement with your credit card picture (you can paint over last four digits to hide
    them) and your signature:

    ===============================================================================

    I, , authorize Digital River to charge me $297 for 3 domain certificates. I agree with a non-refundable user agreement.

    24-Nov-2015
    ==================================================

    Please print this text or write it on a paper. Add your written signature. Make a picture of this paper. Save this picture as .jpg or .gif file on your computer and send to us as an attachment.

    This is the requirement of our bank to protect our merchant account against chargebacks.

    After we receive your payment and the signed document, we will certify your domains. The certificates will be sent to you within 24 hours. It will also include the TM verification.

    If you have any problems with making the payment, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

    Sincerely,

    Sarah Sevenich

    Reply
  23. Almost hooked

    Exactly the same script as everybody else. My contact was Ian Davidson posing as Vice Chairman as 123-Reg in the UK. Probably the brother of the last post who was contacted by Mike Davidson. They’ve most likely got a sister called Harley who rides off into the sunset with your hard earned cash leaving a worthless piece of paper behind and the smell of burning rubber.
    Incidentally, Ian Davidson sent an email from Info@123-reg-domain-names.info which according to WhoIs was only registered 5 days ago. And the site “smart domain sales.net” is prohibited from being renewed or transferred by GoDaddy as it is a scam site.
    If you’ve found this thread, congratulations. You’ve just been saved from being parted from your hard earned cash.

    Reply
  24. Almost hooked

    Oh, and another thing. These people often try to scam you with social proof by sending you to a bogus page at Google Answers where Bobbie7 is overcome with joy as one of the Davidson Shite Hawks claims his client has deposited $34,000 USD into his Escrow account.
    Only trouble is that Google Answers shut down in 2006 and is now a read only service.
    This means that lucky Bobbie or whatever his nickname is got paid $34K by Escrow 9 years before Ian Davidson (A.K.A Domain Broker ) registered his own domain name.
    Incredible!

    Reply
  25. Almost hooked

    I know I keep going on but these people are destroying a legitimate business with cheap tricks and snake oil tactics.
    They only take payment by cash transfers. I.E. no credit cards where you can claim your money back for non delivery of a worthless piece of shit.
    In fact you’d be better off with a piece of shit. At least it has some nutritional value to microbes and bacteria which are of far greater value to humankind than this pond scum.
    The other value of a piece of shit is that you could put it on a stick and flick it at high speed in the faces of these worthless scamming Twats.
    Rant over. Thanks for listening.

    Reply
    1. Chris Futcher

      I’ve been contacted by Ian Davidson as well. The domain he sent the email from is 123-reg-support.info. The whois database lists the following info:

      Registrant Contact Information:
      Name: 123 REG
      Organization: 123 REG
      City: UXBRIDGE
      Zip: UB11 1FF
      Country: GB
      Phone: +44.02034027582
      Email: Email Masking Image@123-reg-dns-server.info

      The phone number is a Metrobank number, and Mr Davidson has put some effort into making it look as though the domain is a proper 123 Reg domain.

      At present I’m playing dumb and intend to ask for a meeting and see what his response is….

      Reply
  26. Jugular

    They are also using 123-reg-uk.co to send from. The name I received from was Robert Dawson VP at 123 reg.

    Who works on a Sunday at a UK hosting company anyway, and at 10pm at night? And how many different VP of sales can 1 company have? And why not just use the phone provided in the whois if anyone intends on buying a domain?

    Thanks for this post, was almost going to reply to this scammer, until I decided to do some research and found everything to be shady at best.

    Keep posting his various names and addresses being used so people can find it with a quick search.

    Reply
  27. Paul

    Hi there!!
    Got the same today 🙂

    Hello!

    Our buyer is interested in purchasing cvsoon.com.

    The buyer is a private investor from Doha (Qatar) with a solid budget for several online projects.

    He is a professional investor with 14 years of experience.

    I located your contact information in a domain name whois lookup and understand that you own the domain name.

    Are you still interested in selling?

    I work for a hosting company based in UK.

    I help our clients to buy and sell intellectual properties.

    Do you have more names? Can you send a list?

    Are you an experienced seller?

    Best Regards,

    Robert Dawson

    Vice President

    123 REG UK

    Reply
  28. Doug

    I got hit by this too! Thank you for posting. I let him know I had the sites listed on Sedo, but he pushed forward with the increased price.
    This is the series of messages I received:

    sales@123-reg-uk.co
    Dec 6 (2 days ago)

    to me
    Hello!

    Our buyer is interested in purchasing xxxx.com.

    The buyer is a private investor from Doha (Qatar) with a solid budget for several online projects.

    He is a professional investor with 14 years of experience.

    I located your contact information in a domain name whois lookup and understand that you own the domain name.

    Are you still interested in selling?

    I work for a hosting company based in UK.

    I help our clients to buy and sell intellectual properties.

    Do you have more names? Can you send a list?

    Are you an experienced seller?

    Best Regards,

    Robert Dawson

    Vice President

    123 REG UK

    I replied and received this response:

    Domain Broker
    Dec 7 (1 day ago)

    The buyer will pay you the appraised value. It will be fair.

    Based on my experience, I think your name is in $15,000 – $17,000 range and my client has enough funds to pay you this sum. He is also interested in

    xxxx websites

    Do you have a certificate of the appraised value?

    If you don’t have it’s not a problem. You can order it online.

    He needs it from a source he knows and trusts.

    I’m also interested in a good estimate of the market price because he pays me % on each sale.

    The process is very easy:

    1. Go to the certificate agency site (see instructions below) and submit your domain for the certification. Please let them know you have a buyer with $XX,XXX offer. It will help you to get a better valuation. In the comment field please ask them to guarantee that the appraised value will be higher than the appraisal service fee. In this case you will not risk to pay and get a low appraisal. I suggest you this company because they protect you as the seller from getting a low appraised value. They will send you the payment instruction only if your domain is worth $1000 or higher. Otherwise your request will be declined and you will not pay hem anything. Other companies does not offer this option.

    2. If your request will be approved, please pay them the fee and wait for 24 hours. Then send me the results via email and we will start the sale process. As soon as he receives your certificate, he will buy your domain via an escrow service. Any escrow service will be able to pay you via Paypal, Wire, Western Union or any other method you prefer.

    He wants to ensure the safe delivery of the funds to you. Furthermore, since this is our first time conducting any business, I believe that using a third-party escrow service can provide a safe, well defined sale process.

    The certificate must include only 2 things to be accepted by my buyer:

    1. Independent valuation of the market price. Only manual valuation is accepted. No valuations generated by scripts.

    2. Trademark infringement verification. It proves your domain has no trademark problems. He would like this verification to be included in the appraisal report. It’s not a problem because some companies include the TM verification for free.

    You can read about the recommended certification agency at Google Answers: http://archive.answers-google.org/answers/threadview/id/7518294.html (“Domain Broker” is my nickname there).

    If you are new to certifications, I can send you step by step instructions.

    Reply
  29. Gullabletwat

    Oh bollox!
    Ok damage limitation time, first of all if i bend over will somebody take a huge run up and give me a swift kick in my friggin cauliflower bean bags, just for the lesson learnt, and then could somebody tell me where i can sell my domain names without having to spend money i don’t have because they got it?
    Cheers,
    Gullibletwat

    Reply
  30. dealsharp

    i have received the same email:
    ——————————————————-
    Hello!

    Our buyer is interested in purchasing xxxxxx.org(my domain name) for a new project.

    The buyer is a private investor from Saudi Arabia. He has $490,000 budget for 40-60 names.

    I located your contact information in a domain name whois lookup and understand that you own the domain name.

    Are you still interested in selling?

    I work for a hosting company based in UK.

    I help our clients to buy and sell intellectual properties.

    Do you have more names? Can you send a list?

    Are you an experienced seller?

    Best Regards,

    Robert Ferguson
    Vice President
    123 REG HOSTING
    http://www.123-reg.co.uk
    ——————————————-

    But the sender address is domain@123-reg-uk.co, not 123-reg.co.uk, it’s 100% fraud.

    Reply
    1. J

      I received the exact same email.. I’m in the middle of F**ing with them by saying i have a certificate and evaluation will be willing to sell them the domain at a discount – if they use a escrow of my choosing!

      Ya right.. if they fall for that, I’m rich and will then sell them land on the moon!

      Reply
  31. dealsharp

    i have received the same email:
    ——————————————————-
    Hello!

    Our buyer is interested in purchasing xxxxxx.org(my domain name) for a new project.

    The buyer is a private investor from Saudi Arabia. He has $490,000 budget for 40-60 names.

    I located your contact information in a domain name whois lookup and understand that you own the domain name.

    Are you still interested in selling?

    I work for a hosting company based in UK.

    I help our clients to buy and sell intellectual properties.

    Do you have more names? Can you send a list?

    Are you an experienced seller?

    Best Regards,

    Robert Ferguson
    Vice President
    123 REG HOSTING
    http://www.123-reg.co.uk
    ——————————————–

    But the sender address is domain@123-reg-uk.co, not 123-reg.co.uk, it’s 100% fraud.

    Reply
  32. Armando Corrales

    Hello to all,

    Please all file a Complaint on the IC3 website: http://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx
    The IC3 means INTERNET CRIME COMPLAINT CENTER and its from the FBI ( Federal Bureau of Investigation).
    I have been robbed by this fraudulent website too, I paid for fake “certifivates or appraisals” and paid for the “premium showcase” to “sell” my domains in the same website too!! The fraudulent website is Smartdomainsales.net and I received the same email from the “domain broker” too!!
    Lets all make a team against the person that owns that scam website, so the FBI can put in jail this scammer soon, take his website down as soon as posible and hopefully we can all get our money back!
    Thanks and dont forget to file a Complaint on the IC3 website, its very easy and fast, and doesnt matter in what country you live, the FBI will investigate all the complaints against this fraudulent website.
    Best regards,

    Reply
  33. Rick

    Had this one yesterday – it came from greg@123-reg-uk.co :

    Hello!

    I represent an investor from Oxford, UK who wants to buy XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX.com for a new project.

    I located your contact information in a domain name whois lookup and understand that you own the domain name.

    Are you still interested in selling?

    If you have more names I can help you to sell them.

    Best Regards,

    Greg Taylor

    Vice President

    123 REG UK

    123-reg.co.uk

    Reply
  34. Walter Bobrovsky

    This is not a scam. This guy helped me to sell my domain.

    You simply never used his services.

    Reply
  35. Jeremy Schneider

    I agree with Walter. This is not a scam.

    I sold my domain this way for $5,300.

    Reply
    1. Samson

      Proof of this? i was scammed twice by you people posing as “investors” at least i got my domain intact

      Reply
  36. Samson

    For anyone who has lost money by paying “valuation” fees, you can get a refund. I lost €310 in such fees. After months of waiting, i stumbled upon your forum. I decided to email 2000Charge customer support asking for a refund. After a few gentle threats, they decided to speak to the webmaster Frank Bergman. He agreed to the refund and after their €12 service fee, i got back my refund in a few days. Remember your transaction number and feel free to email customer support: help@2000charge.com 2000Charge is a genuine and legitimate company sadly taken in this scam run by Frank Bergman. I just hope they remove this prolific scammer from their books

    Reply
  37. Cecile

    Same scam as everybody else! Seemed fishy and I’m glad I found this site! Thanks a lot for that!
    Received today from transfer@123-reg-co-uk.info:

    Hello!

    I represent a buyer from Switzerland who needs mania4movie.com for his project.

    The buyer is a professional investor in Real Estate. Investing in domains is a new direction for him.

    I located your contact information in a domain name whois lookup and understand that you own the domain name.

    Are you still interested in selling?

    If you have more names I can help you to sell them.

    Best Regards,

    Frederick Peters

    Domain Names Department

    123 REG UK Hosting

    Reply
  38. Jan Harmening

    I was also cheated by this person and made some research about all his used domains and email addresses – Here they are:
    http://premiumdomainsale.net (support@premiumdomainsale.net)
    http://domaincertification.org/
    http://name-seek.com/
    http://domain-hunk.com/
    http://domaintrademarks.net/
    xilisoft.info (postaffiliatepro@xilisoft.info and unitminer@xilisoft.info)
    smartdomainsales.net (support@smartdomainsales.net and Image@smartdomainsales.net)
    hostgator-web-host.info (frederick@hostgator-web-host.info)
    123-REG-UK-SUPPORT.INFO

    Some of his domains lead to other official domains in order that use may think that these domains are owned of these companies.

    If you look to whois data of these domains you see following names regarding the owner of them:
    Thomas Schulz
    Roland Gordon

    But these names are wrong, also the mentioned address (its a official address of a big company).

    If you get bills for payed services, there are following names on it:
    Irina Obraztsova
    Heidrich Andrew

    But anyway, this person is using always new names.

    Reply
  39. Jeremy Schneider

    This is not a scam. This guy helped me to sell my domain.

    You simply never used his services.

    Reply
  40. Gaming laptop

    Hi there,
    Just now received a mail from them..I will wait and see how they proceed. Below is the email

    lo!

    I represent an investor from Canada who wants to buy for a new online project.

    The buyer is a professional investor in Real Estate.

    Investing in web names is a new direction for him.

    I located your contact information in a domain name whois lookup and understand that you own the domain name.

    Are you still interested in selling?

    I work for a hosting company.

    I help our clients to buy and sell intellectual properties.

    If you have more names I can help you to sell them.

    Best Regards,

    Helen Andreson

    Domain Name Broker

    123 REG

    Reply
  41. Chris Billows

    I was offered $15,000-$20,000 from miya@1-2-3-reg.info

    I looked up her information and found the 1-2-3-reg.info to be redirected to a hosting company. But why use s different email domain address? Something is fishy.

    I checked out http://www.domain-analysis.com/sell.htm through the faked Google answers doc. I thought the site looked kinda crooked. I checked out the domain age and it was only two months old. I knew this was a scam.

    Thanks for posting the original warning!

    Reply
  42. Anton

    Thank you for saving me money and time. The same happend to me.
    The funny thing they gave some more details:

    The buyer has an offshore company in Belize and five figure budget for several names.

    He is in Real Estate business. Domains for him is a just a way to generate some additional income. He is not a professional domainer.

    Our commission is 3 %. It’s paid after you receive the funds.

    The buyer offers $15,000.

    How do you want to get paid: Check, Wire, Western Union ? If my buyer does not support your preferred method he can send you the funds via an escrow service that supports it.

    Do you have a certificate?

    My buyer needs it for tax and accounting purposes.

    If you don’t have it’s not a problem. You can order it online.

    Please note he cannot accept it from any agency. He needs a manual service. It also must be a third party independent agency (not your broker our auction site) he knows and trusts.

    The certification must include the following:

    1. Independent valuation of the market price. It will show your domain name is not overpriced. On the other hand if the valuation comes higher, he will increase the price accordingly. In the domain name industry, there are many appraisal tools that people use to estimate the value of a domain name. My client does not want to risk and doesn’t accept services that use scripts. If you are unsure about some service feel free to ask me.

    2. Trademark infringement verification. It proves your domain has no trademark problems. He would like this verification to be included in the appraisal report. It’s not a problem because some companies include the TM verification for free.

    I’m also interested in a good estimate of the market price because you will pays me % on each sale.

    You can read about certification agencies at http://answersgoogle.org/answers/threadview/id/70915724.htm (“Domain Broker” is my nickname).

    The process is very easy:

    1. Go to the certificate agency site and order a certificate. Just submit your domains and let them know you have a buyer with $XX,XXX offer. It will help you to get a better valuation.

    If it’s possible to certify your domain for at least $1000, they will send you the payment instructions. If it’s not possible, they won’t send you the instructions. This way you will not lose anything. It’s very convenient and gives you the full protection. Other services charge you upfront even if your domain is not worth spending the appraisal fee, so I don’t recommend them.

    2. Send the cetificate to me and we will start the sale process. As soon as he receives your certificate he will buy your domain via an escrow service of his choice.

    If the appraisal comes higher he will make a better offer. His final offer will only depend on the appraisal results.

    If you are new to the certification process, I can help you with the step by step instructions.

    Reply
  43. Claes Lundqvist

    Well

    Thanks for a good article. I must Point out though that: http://www.tradera.com is definitely not a scam site. I do not know where the heck that coes from. It is Swedens biggest auction site and has nothing to do what so ever with fraud.

    Reply
  44. GURI DESIGN

    Hello We received an Email also 🙁 LOL

    Can anyone knows it’s a true or fake ?

    Hello!

    I represent a domain buyer who is going to acquire classifiedclick.com for his brand new web site.

    The buyer offers a price in $ 10 000 – $ 15 000 range (depends on your certificate of price).

    Is it your first sale or perhaps you have an experience?

    Looking forward to hearing from you.

    Sinerely yours,

    Alice Woodman

    Lawyer
    Email: lawyer@zurich-law-attorney.info
    Holbeinstrasse 31. Zurich 8034

    Switzerland

    Reply
  45. Lyrics23

    This saved me from being scammed haha I was skeptical so I decided to do some research and yeah thanks God I found your post, very helpful. This is the certification site authorize-name.net that he want me to bought a certificate

    Reply
  46. OGurtan

    They are moved to Korea, don’t worry.
    ————————————————–
    Hello!

    I represent a buyer from Korea who wants to buy *****.com for a new web project.

    Are you still interested in selling?

    The buyer is a professional investor with a good budget.

    I help VIP clients of our hosting company to buy names.

    If you have more names please email me the list.

    Best regards,

    Jeong Sun Jun

    Vice President

    Hostway Korea

    Cloud Hosting Solutions

    Bungdang-gu Seongnam-si

    Gyeonggi-do

    Korea
    http:// HostWay . KR

    Phone: 0215442238
    ————————————————-

    Reply
  47. Tayeem Hasan

    Now They are in Japan
    =================================================================================

    Hello!

    I represent a buyer from Nagasaki who wants to buy ——– for a new web project.

    Are you still interested in selling?

    The buyer is a professional investor with a good budget.

    I help VIP clients of our hosting company to buy names.

    If you have more names please email me the list.

    Best regards,

    Satoko Takigawa

    Vice President

    GMO Cloud Hosting Japan

    Tokyo

    26-1 Sakuragaoka-cho Cerulean Tower

    Japan

    Phone: +81 6763415714
    ===============================================================================
    If you own .net and .org domains he will buy them to secure the brand.

    Commission of our company is only 5%. It’s paid by the buyer.

    He will pay you via the Authorize Escrow service. They accept payment from his country and can pay you via wire, Paypal, check or any other method you prefer.

    The buyer offers a price in $15,000 – $20,000 range.

    Do you have a certificate? It’s required by his bank.

    The final sale price will depend on the certificate.

    If you don’t have the certificate it’s not a problem. You can order it online.

    Please note he cannot accept it from any agency. He needs a manual service. It also must be a third party independent agency (not your broker our auction site) and must be accepted by his bank.

    You can read about certification agencies at Google Answers: http://tinyurl.com/yalaxpm7 (I’ve made a short form of the long Google Answers link in TinyURL. “Domain Broker” is my nickname).

    The process is very easy:

    1. Go to the certificate agency site and order a certificate. The service recommended at Google Answers is accepted by the buyer’s bank. It guarantees us a smooth and fast transaction. If your name is not a premium one and cannot be valued in $XX,XXX range ($10,000 – $99,999) they won’t send you the payment instructions. It’s free to submit your domains for a review. You pay only if they guarantee appraisal in $XX,XXX range and higher.

    Other services charge you upfront even if your domain is not worth spending the appraisal fee, so I don’t recommend them.

    2. Send the certificate to me and we will start the sale process the same day. He will buy your domain for the appraised value stated in your certificate.

    If you are new to the certification process, I can help you with the step by step instructions.

    Reply
      1. VOTSON

        JAP
        dns@gmocloud-jp.info
        ****

        Hello!

        I represent a buyer from Nagasaki who wants to buy ***************.com for a new web project.

        I help our VIP clients to find names for their projects.

        Our buyer can make you a really good offer.

        If you have more names please email me the list. I may offer them to our buyers.

        Best regards,

        Satoko Takigawa

        Senior Broker

        GMO Cloud Hosting Japan

        Tokyo

        26-1 Sakuragaoka-cho Cerulean Tower

        Japan

        Reply
        1. VOTSON

          If you own .net and .org domains he will buy them to secure the brand.

          Commission of our company is only 5%. It’s paid by the buyer.

          The buyer offers a price in $10,000 – $15,000 range.

          Do you have a certificate? It’s required by his bank.

          The final sale price will depend on the certificate.

          If you don’t have the certificate it’s not a problem. You can order it online.

          Please note he cannot accept it from any agency. He needs a manual service. It also must be a third party independent agency (not your broker our auction site) and must be accepted by his bank.

          The certification includes the following:

          1. Independent valuation of the market price. It will show your domain name is not overpriced. On the other hand if the valuation comes higher, he will increase the price accordingly. In the domain name industry, there are many appraisal tools that people use to estimate the value of a domain name. My client does not want to risk and doesn’t accept services that use scripts. If you are unsure about some service feel free to ask me.

          2. TM verification. It proves your domain has no trademark problems. He would like this verification to be included in the appraisal report. It’s not a problem because some companies include the TM verification for free.

          You can read about certification agencies at Google Answers: http://tinyurl.com/yalaxpm7 (I’ve made a short form of the long Google Answers link in TinyURL. “Domain Broker” is my nickname).

          The process is very easy:

          1. Go to the certificate agency site and order a certificate. The service recommended at Google Answers is accepted by the buyer’s bank. It guarantees us a smooth and fast transaction. Just submit your domains and let them know you have a buyer with $XX,XXX offer. It will help you to get a better valuation.

          If your domain is worth at least $1000, they will send you payment instructions. If it’s not possible, they won’t send you the instructions. This way you will not lose anything. It’s very convenient and gives you the full protection. Other services charge you upfront even if your domain is not worth spending the appraisal fee, so I don’t recommend them.

          2. Send the certificate to me and we will start the sale process. As soon as he receives your certificate he will buy your domain.

          If you are new to the certification process, I can help you with the step by step instructions.

          Reply
          1. VOTSON

            My client borrows part of the funds in his bank to buy the domain and the bank requires the independent valuation of the domain name (appraisal) with the TM verification so it’s impossible for my client to proceed without it. The certification agency must be authorized by his bank.

            The service I recommended is accepted by the buyer’s bank. It guarantees us a smooth and fast transaction.

            It’s a standard practice when you sell your domain to a professional investor.

            I talked to him and he confirmed his intentions so there is no risk for you. You can be sure he will buy after you order the certification. I worked with him before. He is a reliable buyer. The buyer guarantees to pay you the price stated in your certificate.

            Of course, you must be sure you will sell it for at least $15,000. To avoid any risks just contact the certification agency at Authorize One Order Form

            Please send them your domain name and let them know you have a buyer with $15,000 offer and need a valuation near this value. It will increase your final appraised value. If your name is worthless and cannot be valued over $1000 they won’t send you the payment instructions. This is the only service that offers this option for customers so you will never waste money and time on appraisal of low quality names.

  48. N/A

    Got this fraud too from dns@gmocloud-jp.info

    Hello!

    I represent a buyer from Nagasaki who wants to acquire (removed).org for a new online startup.

    Are you still interested in selling?

    The buyer is a professional investor with a good budget.

    If you have more names please email me the list. I have regular meetings with buyers and investors in Japan.

    Best regards,

    Takako Matsudaira

    Vice President

    GMOCloud Hosting Tokyo

    Tokyo

    26-1 Sakuragaoka-cho Cerulean Tower

    Japan

    Phone: +81 6763412717

    Reply
    1. Ausitn Carl Equipaje

      I just received this too

      FIRST EMAIL

      Hello!

      I represent a buyer from Kyoto (Japan) who wants to buy babyfoodshops.com for a new web project.

      The buyer is a professional investor with a good budget.

      I located your contact information via whois search.

      If you have more names for sale please email me the list.

      Sincerely yours,

      Shinju Tagawa

      Senior Domain Broker

      Onamae Hosting LLC

      Tokyo

      Japan

      Phone: +8167154836706

      SECOND EMAIL

      Commission of our company is only 5%. It’s paid by the buyer.

      He will send you money via Authorize One Escrow. They are owned by a large reputable company and support Japanese buyers. They may release the funds to you via Paypal, wire, cheque, bitcoin or Western Union.

      The buyer offers a price in $15,000 – $30,000 range.

      Do you have a certificate? It’s required by his bank and his partners. Without it he won’t be able to send you a payment.

      Please note the exact final sale price will depend on your appraisal certificate. If you don’t have the certificate it’s not a problem. You can order it online.

      The appraisal agency must support a copy in Japanese language upon request. The appraisal certificate must be up to date (issued during last 30 days).

      You can read about certification agency that supports a copy in Japanese at Google Answers: http://tinyurl.com/yao4af5b (I’ve made a short form of the long Google Answers link in TinyURL. “Domain Broker” is my nickname).

      The process is very easy (you can do everything online in several minutes):

      1. Go to the certificate agency site accepted by my client and order the certificate. The service recommended at Google Answers is accepted by the buyer’s bank (they support Japanese and English languages). It guarantees us a smooth and fast transaction.

      They also provide full money back guarantee if you don’t sell your domain so there is no risk for you.

      Please specify in the comment field you have a buyer with $XX,XXX offer. It will increase the final appraised value.

      2. If they approve your request please make the payment. The certificate will be sent to your email within several hours. Send the certificate to me and we will start the sale process the same day. He will pay you the appraised value stated in your certificate. We will use the escrow service to finish the sale. You will get the money by bank transfer, Paypal or cheque.

      If you are new to the certification process, I can help you with the step by step instructions how to order a proper certificate online.

      Reply
  49. Dr Khalid

    Beware: SCAM Confirmed
    http://authorize-one.net

    To sell your Domain Name use only Escrow.com , don’t give any info , before the client deposit the money to escrow , there only you can sell your domain safely, once the domain name delivered Under supervision from specialist .

    5 Steps to deliver your domain and get your money Only With Escrow.com

    The story of apraisal is only way to put you in scam honey-pot, so
    http://authorize-one.net
    is the final benificiary of all scam story, there is not buyer and no broker.

    Reply
  50. Alex

    Got a similar email today

    We are Mireene Hosting Inc from Seoul.

    My buyer is interested in such names because he believes they will cost much more in 2018 – 2019.

    You will be paid $45,000.

    He will pay you money via Authorize Online Net Escrow. They support customers from Korea, Korea and China. He can only pay in his local currency – Korean WON and they will convert them into USD or EUROS to send you the payment. You will be paid by bank transfer, Paypal or bitcoins.

    Since you are selling your domain to Korea you must prepare it for sale in Korea. All companies in Korea require a domain certificate in Korean and English (if the buyer is based outside of Korea). Without it you won’t be able to sell your domain to Korea.

    Do you have a certificate? It’s required by the buyer’s bank.

    The certificate must include the following to be accepted by my buyer:
    – Ownership verification (the certification agency must confirm you are a legal owner).
    – Legal verification (proves the domain has no problems with trademarks or other problems with the law in Korea).
    – Restriction verification (the domain must not be pledged or sold to third parties).
    – The certificate must be up to date (issued during last 30 days)
    – Copy of the certificate in Korean (required by the buyer’s bank).
    – The certification agency must be authorized by my buyer and his bank.

    You can read about certification agency that is accepted by my buyer and his bank and supports a copy in Korean at Google Answers: http://bit.ly/2AWhPX8 (I’ve made short form of the long Google Answers link. “Domain Broker” is my nickname).

    The process is very easy (you can do everything online in several minutes):

    1. Go to the certificate agency site accepted by my client and order the certificate. The service recommended at Google Answers is accepted by the buyer’s bank (they support Korean and English languages).

    2. After they approve your request please make the payment. The certificate will be sent to your email within several hours. Send the certificate to me and we will start the sale process the same day.

    Our company also takes care about you as a seller. There is no risk for you to lose the money after ordering the certificate even if something goes wrong. The recommended certification agency won’t send you the payment instructions if your domain has some legal problems.

    They also provide full money back guarantee if you don’t sell your domain within 15 days.

    If you are new to the certification process or unsure which certification agency to use, I can help you with the step by step instructions how to order a proper certificate online.

    Commission of our company is only 5%. The commission is divided between you and the buyer and paid after you get the money.

    Reply
  51. Eirik

    I almost lost it when I saw this thread yesterday. It was completely devestating to realise that I’d lost a lot of money on a scam. I should have been more careful and suspicious of this whole thing.

    I hope this message can help others avoid making the same gruesome mistake as I did.

    The service they appear to now be using is located at authorize-inc.net

    Here’s the original message I received from buyers@ikkatsu.tech:

    Hello!

    I’m a domain broker from a well known hosting company Wadax in Japan. I represent a buyer who wants to acquire gutflora.com.

    Is it still available for sale?

    If yes, please contact me for further instructions.

    Sincerely yours,

    Ayako Mizukawa

    Domain Broker

    IKKATSU Hosting Inc.

    Tokyo

    Japan”

    Reply
    1. Got scammed

      Eirik- did you ever get any money from them? I fell for it, too, but not the entire amount, but over half. I wish I had done my research better before.

      Reply
  52. Tom C

    This offered over six-figures for domain name if I get certified. For curiosity, I got it certify and paid $298 via Bitcoin: http://authorize-inc.net/show.asp?Domain=hallofcolleges.com

    Did I get scammed or what?!

    I got the following email from Arumi Nagashima:

    Hello!

    I represent a large Japanese hosting company (part of GMO Holding). Our VIP buyer from Tokyo wants to purchase hallofcolleges.com for his new project.

    If you are still interested in selling please let me know.

    Do you have a bitcoin wallet?

    Sincerely yours,

    Arumi Nagashima
    Vice President
    Wadax Hosting LLC.
    Tokyo Japan
    http://www.wadax.ne.jp

    Reply
  53. Anthony

    I was pretty confident this was a scam and I found this site when I Googled the name “Shinju Tagawa”.

    He offered me 90 Etherum (that’s about $68,000 USD) for a domain that I have for sale for… are you ready? $150.

    I did the search, precisely to find a site like this where others were discussing domain scams.

    What’s really sad is that people still get taken by this stuff..

    Stay safe out there1

    Reply
  54. Mike

    Hello!

    I work for Rakusaba (hosting company from Tokyo). Our client from Osaka is interested in purchasing hackdisneyland.com.

    If you are still interested in selling let’s start the sale process.

    Do you have an Ethereum wallet? If not I can help you with instructions how to open it.

    Sincerely yours,

    Shinju Nagashima

    Domain Broker

    Rakusaba Hosting Inc.

    Tokyo

    Japan

    Reply
  55. Christeen Unikel

    You could definitely see your skills in the paintings you write. The arena hopes for more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to mention how they believe. All the time follow your heart. “The only way most people recognize their limits is by trespassing on them.” by Tom Morris.

    Reply
  56. david souza

    worst type of people possible. They tried to hit me.
    I’m Brazilian, I only get beaten up by the politicians.

    Reply
  57. david souza

    Hi!

    Our regular customer is interested in purchasing bardasse.com for a new project.

    Are you still interested in selling?

    Regards,

    Aruni Nakamura

    Domain Name Broker

    Future-S Inc.

    KRP #9 91 Awata-cho Chudoji

    Kyoto

    Japan

    Reply
  58. m p singh

    Hi , Receive same Email from Domain Scammer and Fake Buyers from Tokyo Japan

    Hi!

    Is bitcoinwale.com still for sale?

    Our regular customer is interested in purchasing it. He offers a good price in Bitcoin or EThereum.

    Looking forward to your response.

    Sincerely yours,

    Jun Tagawa

    Domain Broker

    Ikkatsu Tech Hosting Inc.

    Tokyo

    Japan

    ikkatsu.tech

    I act on the behalf of our VIP client (domain investor) and will help you to sell your domain.
    What is your Telegram user name? If you have Telegram you may contact @Dominick_W (Telegram user name) at https://t.me/Dominick_W

    He is your buyer.
    Our commission is only 6 %. The commission is divided between you and the buyer and paid after you get the money.

    The buyer offers 125 ETH. If it’s ok let’s proceed. You will be paid in Bitcoins/Litecoin/Ethereum or in USD (Paypal, wire transfer or Western Union). His escrow accepts Litecoin and may convert it to USD if necessary.

    The payment to you will be made via escrow service to protect both parties during the transaction. The buyer lives in Tokyo. He buys several names for each project to generate maximum traffic possible via Google Adwords.

    He is a professional investor and he requires a certification of compliance with Japanese law in English and Japanese language to avoid any possible problems with using your domain in Japan.

    If you are new to Japanese certificates I may help you with instructions where to obtain a certificate accepted by the buyer

    The buyer will send crypto-currency to escrow. They send 50% to you. You may receive the payment in crypto-currency or they may convert it in USD to send via wire/Paypal. You transfer the domain and get the other 50%. It’s safe and easy.

    But you need to certify your domain for Japanese market first. His lawyers prohibit him to buy non certified names and the Japanese escrow also accept certified names only to avoid selling illegal goods. After you send us the certificate we will proceed with the sale the same day.

    Our authorized certification agency is a GMO DigiRock in partnership with Swiss Escrow: https://digirock.org They provide full refund if your domain is not sold. It’s safe to use them.

    Go to this site and select Certification. Specify in the comment field you need a copy in Japanese. Submit your request. If they approve it you will get payment instructions. The main certificate in English and a copy in Japanese will be sent to you within 24 hours after you make the payment as PDF file. Send it to me and we will proceed with the sale/transfer the same day.

    It will be easier if you follow instructions of their customer support. Please send me your Telegram user name and I will ask @RobertReese to help you. He is responsible for customer support for the certification service.

    If you don’t have Telegram you may install it from Google Play or AppStore.
    The sale process is very easy:

    1. You send us the certificate in Japanese.

    2. We transfer the funds to you in Bitcoin or Ethereum.
    3. You transfer the domain to our buyer through your registrar.

    GMO DigiRock Hosting
    Thu, Sep 27, 12:11 AM (1 day ago)
    to me

    Dear Customer,

    We have received a new $350,000 on your domain https://digirock.org/show.asp?Domain=crypto-connect.com

    from buyers@ikkatsu.tech
    Do you want to accept this bid and start the sale process or you prefer to wait for higher offers?

    Our company relies on the integrity of the users of its services to honor their commitments. If the buyer makes an offer to purchase the rights to a domain name, and the offer is accepted, both the buyer and the seller are obligated to complete the transaction. You cannot place or accept an offer that is manipulative, such as placing an offer that you know you do not have at your disposal sufficient resources to cover.

    Classic Escrow Process:

    1. Seller accepts a bid from buyer.

    2. Buyer submits payment to us by check (5-7 days for express delivery).

    3. We clear the check in 4-6 days.

    4. We release 50% to Seller and he transfers domain to buyer.

    5. We release the other 50% to Seller.

    If you need a much faster transaction which will cost you $0 please use Crypto Escrow Process:

    Crypto Escrow Process (for BTC/ETH payments):

    1. Seller accepts a bid from Buyer.

    2. Seller and Buyer deposit 0.5 BTC or equivalent in ETH to BTC/ETH address of Escrow.

    3. Buyer sends funds to BTC wallet of escrow. We verify payment via blockchain network.

    4. We release 50% to Seller and he transfers domain to buyer.

    5. We release the other 50% to Seller.

    6. After we confirm domain transfer via WHO IS we send 0.5 BTC deposits back to Buyer and Seller.

    Advantages: No need to wait for several weeks for check’s delivery. Your deposit is returned to you so the total price is $0.

    Please let us know which escrow you want to use: Classic or Crypto Escrow?
    Sincerely,
    Takeshi Hirano
    Customer Support
    http://www.digirock.org

    Reply
  59. eddie

    Hello admin. I would like to buy a link on your website in any place you would choose. I can pay you $3 via paypal. It’s just 3 minutes of work for you. If you are interested, please reply with link to post in which you can place my link. By the way – it’s just youtube video about bitcoin exchange. Thanks

    Reply

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