Another Domain Name Appraisal Scam – thedomaininvestors.com

Back in October, I wrote about a domain name appraisal scam. It appears this is still doing the rounds, but has changed wording slightly.

Below is the transcript of messages:

Make no mistake, THIS IS A SCAM

From: coddington@thedomaininvestors.com
Sent: 18 March 2010 07:54
To: Alex James Brown
Subject: ukcabs.net (sent 03/18/10)

 

Hello,

We buy and sell domains and web pr®jects. What is your price for the domain?
If you have other domains for sale feel free to send your list.

Looking forward to do business with you.
Regards,

Maria Coddington
Vice President
Internet Investment Startegies 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.
========================================================

My reply, short and sweet:

From: Alex James Brown
Sent: 18 March 2010 07:54
To: coddington@thedomaininvestors.com
Subject: Re: ukcabs.net (sent 03/18/10)

 

Looking to sell it for $40,000

Thanks

Alex

 

Now, make no mistake, I know this domain isn’t worth anywhere near $40k, but, to my amazement, a reply!

From: coddington@thedomaininvestors.com
Sent: 18 March 2010 09:31
To: Alex James Brown
Subject: Re: ukcabs.net (sent 03/18/10)

 

Alex,

Can you accept 39,000 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://www.domainexplorer.org/Archive/86132905.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.

Haggled me out of $1000 dollars. Damn.

My reply (sorry for the bad language, but I really do hate scammers)

From: Alex James Brown
Sent: 18 March 2010 09:51
To: coddington@thedomaininvestors.com
Subject: Re: ukcabs.net (sent 03/18/10)

 

yeah, absolutely,

sorry, I meant to say $40, but $39,000 is great! thanks.

yeah, I’ll sure do the appraisal now.

oh wait…

http://www.alexjamesbrown.com/scams/domain-name-appraisal-scam/

Kindly,

Go fuck yourself.