Wednesday, October 14, 2009

My latest domain name appraisal scam email

DomainReport.ca - Over the long weekend I got a domain name appraisal scam email, the first I've received in a long time.

Though I've gotten these before, this one didn't immediately stick out to me at first. Only when I read the part "If you have other domains for sale feel free to send your list" did I start to suspect it was a scam. Why? Because usually if you're contacted about a domain, they are interested in one name and don't want you to send a whole list.

I did a Google search on the contact email and name, and I found other blog posts about this scam using similar contact info.

I have to admit, I did fall for one of these appraisal scams back in 2000 or 2001. They sent me a list of companies that could do the appraisals, and I chose GreatDomains.com because I had an account there, even though it was more expensive than the other option they gave me. So I guess it didn't really work for them, because I didn't use their appraiser. On the bright side, Great Domains gave a free t-shirt with their logo if you did an appraisal through them, so at least I got that. And ofcourse, I never did hear back from the 'interested' party.

As a rule, NEVER pay for a domain name appraisal for a domain you are selling. If the buyer is legitimate and really interested, have them get the appraisal themselves. If a domain name is good enough to warrant an appraisal, the cost of the appraisal is minor. Plus, you could also offer to deduct the cost of the appraisal from the price if they go ahead and do it.

Here is the full email for your enjoyment:

From: bridgetechnologies@gmx.com
Subject: XXXXXXXXXXXX.com (sent 10/12/09)
Date: Monday, October 12, 2009

Hello,

Our company is interested in your domain name. What is your price?

We have a solid investing budget and our company is very interested in
Internet names and web sites.

If you have other domains for sale feel free to send your list.

Looking forward to do business with you.

Regards,

Pedro Vasquez

CIO (Chief Information Officer)

Bridge Technologies LLC
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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.
=======================================


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1 comment:

  1. When i want to resell my domain i don't know the value of my domain. On that time i choose to get a domain appraisal of mine. So i decided to check these details from http://www.tucktail.com/ Now i got the exact value of my domain

    ReplyDelete

Thank you!