Domain Name Appraisal Scam Resurfaces
Old domain appraisal scam resurfaces.
An old scam in the domain name world appears to be resurfacing.
The domain name appraisal scam works like this: someone emails you interested in buying a domain. When you reply, they require an appraisal to verify the value. The scammer either owns the domain appraisal firm you are referred to, or is a paid affiliate.
I wrote regarding this scam in June of 2005. Many people fell victim to the scam, but I hadn’t heard many complaints regarding it in a while. But over the past two weeks the old article has received six fresh comments from people who have received the appraisal scam email.
The latest batch of scam emails are signed “Andreas Winski” or “Ronald Winski” and use various firm names, counting TNG Technologies and PHR Systems. Here are a couple example emails:
Hello,
I’m checking sites with domains for sale from time to time. By my opinion, (mydomain).com can generate income. What is your price?
We are working on software market. Reselling gives us a good income opportunity but it does not have relation to our main business.
Looking forward to do business with you.
Regards,
Ronald Winski
Vice President
PHR Systems
Hello,
Please reply me with your asking price for #####.net. I’m browsing periodically domain auctions and your domain has good potential (in my humble opinion).
We are working on software market. Reselling gives us a fresh income opportunity.
Looking forward to do business with you.
Regards,
Andreas Winski
Vice President
TNG Technologies
If you get one of these e-mails, just ignore it. Or have some fun with the scammer — egg them on a little bit. This will take up some of their time, which will reduce the number of scams they can pull off.
