I was just alerted about another "appraisal" type domain name scam going around and this time the domain name being used is TheNamePros.com . The email address used was fletcher@thenamepros.com and the name of the person as Alan Fletcher. The company name Name Professional Investment & Consulting LLC is also used.
The first email sent will look something like this:
"Hello,
We have an offer for your domain name. What is your asking price?
Our company invests in domains and developed sites. In case you have a
list of domains for sale, please send the list with prices in plain text.
We prefer "dot coms", "dot nets" and easy-to-remember names.
Regards,
Alan Fletcher
MBA, MSCE
Founder
Name Professional Investment & Consulting LLC"
If you were to reply to the above email.. you will get a reply like this below:
"Can you accept $xx,xxx USD?
I have a 350,000 USD budget for several domain names. Have you had your
domain names evaluated in the past? Without a valuation certificate we
cannot be sure in the sale price. Moreover, my accountant and tax services
always ask for valaution certificates 
. On the other side, it’s very
important for me in terms of reselling too. Of course, we must engage a
valuation company with a REAL manual service. So I will only accept
valuations from independent sources I and my accountant trust.
To avoid mistakes I asked domain experts about reputable valuation
companies. Please check this blog with suggestions from other sellers and
buyers:
http://www.domainexplorer.org/Archive/97428305.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. Do you sell domain with a web
site or just the name? Domain without content is ok with me. Web site is not
necessary.
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 response."
This is an Appraisal Scam. They are NOT interested in buying your domain name. They try to trick you into buying a domain appraisal and if you do.. that will be the last you hear of them.
BullS
Kill that Bastard!!!
Ben
We received same email a few times!
Waste of time honestly, they are really bastards!!!
Gary
I got the same email today with a domain I have for sale. replied to it with “Make an offer”, but no reply.
Glad I googled it and got this reponse, but I got my site so cheap for resell purposes that thankfully I wouldn’t get it appraised anyway.
I’m happy enough to take any reasonable offer for the URL.
Gary
Just forwarded my reply from the site to phishing-report@us-cert.gov .
I’d suggest anyone else who gets this email to do the same so they can shut it down and prosecute straight away.
josh
Just got the same email. Thank you for the heads up.
Thea
Got the same email today. We were so excited until I was forwarded to the archived “forum discussion”, I got dubious. I searched the email address and this is what I got. Wow, what a loser1
Mike
The troll is back again. Received the exact same vague offer yesterday, suggested he make an offer and go a very similar response today. Troll is using Robert Sedlacek of “Name & Hosting Business Solutions LLC” and a “name-business.com” email address (robert-sedlacek@name-business.com), which is hiding behind DomainsByProxy. I’ve done appropriate reporting as well, but that’ll take some time for any action, so be diligent.
Suryana
From: alvaro@name-business.com
Subject: re: SUNDA.COM
To: suryana73@yahoo.com
Date: Saturday, November 13, 2010, 3:55 PM
Hello,
I’m reaching out on behalf of Bernie Bornstein who is interested in this domain. Please email us your price.
He is also looking for easy-to-remember names with different extensions for his online businesses.
If you have other names for sale please email us your list with prices.
Can we get your answer this week if possible?
Regards,
Richard Alvaro
Sales Executive
Suryana
BEWARE!!!
From: Richard Alvaro
Subject: Re: SUNDA.COM
To:
Date: Sunday, November 14, 2010, 12:40 PM
Can you accept 10,000 USD?
Our client has a 50,000 USD budget for several names. Have you had your domain names evaluated by certified valuation experts in the past? Even if your domain has no web site it’s possible to appraise it. Without a valuation certificate our client cannot be sure in the sale price. Moreover, our accountant and tax services always ask for valaution certificates. On the other side, it’s very important for him in terms of reselling too. Of course, we must engage an independent valuation company with a real manual service. So I will only accept valuations from independent sources our client trust. We don’t have certified experts in domain valuations and use independent reliable companies for appraisals.
To avoid mistakes I asked domain experts about reputable appraisal companies. Please check this blog with suggestions from other sellers and buyers:
thenamepros.com/Archive/96275014.htm
If, for example, the valuation comes higher you can adjust your asking price accordingly..
After you send us the valuation via email (usually it takes 1-2 days to obtain it) we’ll continue the process. Do you sell domain with a web site or just the name? Domain without content is ok with me. Web site is not necessary.
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.
Sylvie
Hi
Me too I received this email today !!!
BEWARE!!!
From: Richard Alvaro
Subject: Re: Prohostdoamin.com
To:
Date: November 18, 2010, 04:39 PM
Can you accept 2500 USD?
Our client has a 50,000 USD budget for several names. Have you had your
domain names evaluated by certified valuation experts in the past? Even if
your domain has no web site it’s possible to appraise it. Without a
valuation certificate our client cannot be sure in the sale price. Moreover,
our accountant and tax services always ask for valaution certificates. On
the other side, it’s very important for him in terms of reselling too. Of
course, we must engage an independent valuation company with a real manual
service. So I will only accept valuations from independent sources our
client trust. We don’t have certified experts in domain valuations and use
independent reliable companies for appraisals.
To avoid mistakes I asked domain experts about reputable appraisal
companies. Please check this blog with suggestions from other sellers and
buyers:
thenamepros.com/Archive/96275014.htm
If, for example, the valuation comes higher you can adjust your asking price
accordingly..
After you send us the valuation via email (usually it takes 1-2 days to
obtain it) we’ll continue the process. Do you sell domain with a web site or
just the name? Domain without content is ok with me. Web site is not
necessary.
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.
November 18th, 2010
Sylvie
This is the first message I received from this ass hole !!!
> —–Original Message—–
> From: alvaro@name-business.com
> Sent: Wednesday, November 17, 2010 1:21 AM
> To:
> Subject: re: prohostdomain.com
>
> Hello,
>
> I’m reaching out on behalf of Bernie Bornstein who is interested in this
> domain. Please email us your price.
>
> He is also looking for easy-to-remember names with different extensions
> for his online businesses.
>
> If you have other names for sale please email us your list with prices.
>
> Can we get your answer this week if possible?
>
> Regards,
>
> Richard Alvaro
>
> Sales Executive
>
> Name & Hosting Business Solutions 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.
> ========================================================
>
Joseph
From: alvaro@name-business.com
To: Snpmn2j@comcast.net
Sent: Tuesday, November 16, 2010 12:23:21 AM
Subject: re: getitcheaper.org
Hello,
I’m reaching out on behalf of Bernie Bornstein who is interested in this domain. Please email us your price.
He is also looking for easy-to-remember names with different extensions for his online businesses.
If you have other names for sale please email us your list with prices.
Can we get your answer this week if possible?
Regards,
Richard Alvaro
Sales Executive
Name & Hosting Business Solutions 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.
========================================================
Ryan
Thank you for the warning. I go the email today and thought to check the Internet.
Cheers!
Steffanie
Yes, I also received this scam offer. I am a professional domainer, so it takes about 2 seconds for me to recognize a phishing expedition. It is a troll, also heavily reported here and other places:
http://enbeeone3.com/domain-appraisal-scam
I also reported them to authorities and network service providers for abuse. Also report this to your State Attorneys General as an e-commerce and telecom business scam. Keep reporting this.
Also, if you are trying to sell a domain name, my Beta service (my name links to it) is free and there are no broker activities, so no broker fees. You deal with buyers directly. FindDomainNamesHere.com
Godeny
i also received this offer too. i’m very happy
alvaro@name-business.com
date Fri, Nov 19, 2010 at 9:03 PM
subject re: joivi.com
hide details 9:03 PM (3 hours ago)
Hello,
I’m reaching out on behalf of Bernie Bornstein who is interested in this domain. Please email us your price.
He is also looking for easy-to-remember names with different extensions for his online businesses.
If you have other names for sale please email us your list with prices.
Can we get your answer this week if possible?
Regards,
Richard Alvaro
Sales Executive
Name & Hosting Business Solutions LLC
Penelope
got it today too! did a google search and found this warning…thanks!
I had actually responded with “Please have it appraised yourself and let me know what you’d like to offer based on your own research”
so I probably won’t hear back, lol.
Dutcher
12 hrs after i registrated a great domein a got an email:
Hello,
I’m reaching out on behalf of Steven Cabbage who is interested in this domain. Please email us your price.
He is also looking for easy-to-remember names with different extensions for his online businesses.
If you have other names for sale please email us your list with prices.
Can we get your answer this week if possible?
Regards,
Eduard Breininger
Sales Executive
Name & Hosting Brokerage Solutions LLC
Claire
Hi – I got the first email mentioned above last week, replied and asked what was the offer and got this in response:
Thanks for the heads up.
Can you accept 10,000 eur?
Our client has a 50,000 eur budget for several names. Have you had your domain names evaluated by certified valuation experts in the past? Even if your domain has no web site it’s possible to appraise it. Without a valuation certificate our client cannot be sure in the sale price. Moreover, our accountant and tax services always ask for valaution certificates. On the other side, it’s very important for him in terms of reselling too. Of course, we must engage an independent valuation company with a real manual service. So I will only accept valuations from independent sources our client trust. We don’t have certified experts in domain valuations and use independent reliable companies for appraisals.
To avoid mistakes I asked domain experts about reputable appraisal companies. Please check this blog with suggestions from other sellers and buyers:
thenamepros.com/Archive/970152635.htm
If, for example, the valuation comes higher you can adjust your asking price accordingly..
After you send us the valuation via email (usually it takes 1-2 days to obtain it) we’ll continue the process. Do you sell domain with a web site or just the name? Domain without content is ok with me. Web site is not necessary.
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.
Adam
New info for the scams…
eduard-breininger
eduard-breininger@name-business.com
hope they rot!
Jason
Here’s the new update…
— On Fri, 11/19/10, eduard-breininger@name-business.com wrote:
> From: eduard-breininger@name-business.com
> Subject: re: MyDomain.com
> To: Edited@yahoo.com
> Date: Friday, November 19, 2010, 9:17 PM
> Hello,
>
> I’m reaching out on behalf of Jeff Smitley who is
> interested in this domain. Please email us your price.
>
> He is also looking for easy-to-remember names with
> different extensions for his online businesses.
>
> If you have other names for sale please email us your list
> with prices.
>
> Can we get your answer this week if possible?
>
> Regards,
>
> Eduard Breininger
>
> Sales Executive
>
> Name & Hosting Brokerage Solutions 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.
> ================================================== ======
>
>
Aris
i also received a “richard alvaro special”. The question is where did he found all our email…… next time i will buy protection id…..i forgot it several times, wrong wrong wrong…………
Achim
Here the one I got:
From: venturi@name-investors.com
Subject: re: domainname.com
Hello,
I’m reaching out on behalf of Dennis Thompson who is interested in this domain. Please email us your price.
He is also looking for easy-to-remember names with different extensions for his online businesses.
If you have other names for sale please email us your list with prices.
Can we get your answer this week if possible?
Regards,
Charles Venturi
Sales Executive
Name Investors Union LLC
Zyzzle
Still going into 2011! Got the same crap – checked the web addr link & “thenamepros.com” forwards to: webhostingforum.com – can’t locate the “/Archive/305624908.htm ” page there.
This is what I got back:
From: Lawrence Trienekens, domain broker
Domain Business Brokerage Inc.
trienekens@name-investors.com
Can you accept 12,000 usd?
Our client has a 20,000 usd budget for several names. Have you had your domain names evaluated by certified valuation experts in the past? Even if your domain has no web site it’s possible to appraise it. Without a valuation certificate our client cannot be sure in the sale price. Moreover, our accountant and tax services always ask for valaution certificates. On the other side, it’s very important for him in terms of reselling too. Of course, we must engage an independent valuation company with a real manual service. So I will only accept valuations from independent sources our client trust. We don’t have certified experts in domain valuations and use independent reliable companies for appraisals.
To avoid mistakes we asked domain experts about reputable appraisal companies. Please check this blog with suggestions from other sellers and buyers:
thenamepros.com/Archive/305624908.htm
If, for example, the valuation comes higher you can adjust your asking price accordingly..
After you send us the valuation via email (usually it takes 1-2 days to obtain it) we’ll continue the process. Do you sell domain with a web site or just the name? Domain without content is ok with me. Web site is not necessary.
What is your preferred payment method: Escrow.com, International wire transfer, PayPal.com or something else?
Hope we can come to an agreement fast.
Lawrence Trienekens
Hi,
These scammers are using my name
and I have nothing to do with it, what can I do about this?
matt
Start reading messages from bottom to top order.
=============
I sent him back this message, well see if he responds!!
Heres a link you might find interesting http://www.dotweekly.com/thenamepros-com-new-domain-name-scam
You might fool a few people, but as soon as you asked me to spend money, it was kind of obvious what you were up too with the whole I only trust a few appraisal companies.
I think it’s a shame people like you don’t have remorse for screwing people out of money, people who work hard for it, and might need that money, and might get their hopes up at your false offers. Its your choice I guess, but in my book if there is a hell, your going to it! Goodbye internet sociopath, hope someday you develop morals.
If you really are willing to spend thousands on a domain, you can pay for the appraisal yourself. So go pay your own company to do an appraisal then you can come back and talk to me scammer.
From: Michael Hardeman [mailto:michael-hardeman@your-domain-hosting.com]
Sent: Friday, May 20, 2011 3:50 PM
To: matt
Subject: Re: I-Kinect.com response from
Ok.
I’ve found not all the appraisals are accurate. So I accept real manual appraisals from trusted sources only.
I don’t trust $14-$20 services. Nobody will do a research for $14. We need a real manual service.
As to the most known brands: the more orders the company gets, the less time they can afford to spend on each appraisal.
I wanted to use AccurateDomains.com but looks like this company has a bad reputation. I also read some bad review about Afternic’s appraisal service.
I was told about manual research service from http://www.DomainMart.com. It costs – $200/hour.
Many experienced sellers suggested us http://www.CertifiedDomainValue.com as a trustworth manual service. They charge about 50 eur name not per hour. We’ve read only positive comments about them. And I have my own positive experience with this company and their support.
—– Original Message —–
From: matt
To: ‘Michael Hardeman’
Sent: Saturday, May 21, 2011 12:45 AM
Subject: RE: I-Kinect.com response from
I will look into valuations tonight, If you have a list of different valuation companies (you do trust) you can send me the list. I’m not promising ill use one (depending on the cost), but ill check them out. I’m looking at your link provided as well now!
I do graphic design, but that’s separate from the domain deal. I have partners who are also very good at web development and logo design, branding, traffic generation etc, but this is a separate personal transaction. Any website business outside of the domains I would do separately with my associates. I will tell you most of the associates I work with do higher quality work than most large firms, but cost a lot less due to them being freelancers. However they are freelancers that have been in the business for over 10 years. No kids!
We would first proceed with the domain transfer transaction, then if you still wanted to do business for the other, I would put together some work to show you, and you could tell me more about what you need.
From: Michael Hardeman [mailto:michael-hardeman@your-domain-hosting.com]
Sent: Friday, May 20, 2011 1:40 PM
To: matt
Subject: Re: I-Kinect.com response from
5000 for all. 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/41269853.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: matt
To: michael-hardeman@your-domain-hosting.com
Sent: Friday, May 20, 2011 8:39 PM
Subject: I-Kinect.com response from ge
I-kinect.com
Kinect-gaming.com
Xbox-kinects.com
U-kinect.com
Ill sell any of the kinect domains for 1500 USD a piece or all of them for 5000 USD. Or make me an offer, I might not accept, but im negotiable.
I have these but I like them , so your welcome to shoot me an offer on any of them, but im not looking to sell them right now so I cant say a price.
Look4th.com
Heresajob.com
Heresahost.com
C-02.com I might part with but it would be pricey
matt
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
========================================================
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.
========================================================
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Nancy
I was scamned. Current name being used is Michael Hardeman. mailto:michael-hardeman@your-domain-hosting.com
Here’s second email:
I’m thinking about 6,000 – 8,000 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/41269853.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.
David Whitmore
I got basically the same email yesterday….May 25th, 2011…..
My inbox:
From: ceo@your-domain-hosting.com
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,
Louis Villano
CEO
Web Domains & Hosting LLC
David P
Hi there,
In regards to the latest post, from Louis Villano. I have exchanged several emails with him, with caution, and would like to confirm that their emails are almost identicle (including replies to mine) as emails listed in the similar scam above.
so my best advice: a) DO NOT DO BUSINESS with Louis Vilano, and certainly DO NOT get manual appraisals from Certifieddomainvalues.com!
I would like to thank people for sharing their findings from these scams, reading this is the only reason i didnt go pay for appraisals today.
Ranko
It seems Louis Villano is a scammer…
I also received just the same mail as above ,after I reply to him to ask his quotation for my domain ,he replies :
I’m thinking about 6,000 – 8,000 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:
thenamepros.com/Archive/41375279.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.
Josh Hardman
I got the Louis Villano one!
I posted a thread on NamePros describing the Scam.
Please share with anyone you know who uses the site, to avoid further Scams!
http://www.namepros.com/domain-name-discussion/716836-scam-warning-read-this-thread-info.html
Rosy
I got the same e-mail for my StructuredAnnuityBroker.com domain, but from a:
David Grantz
President
Web Domains & Hosting LLC
Thanks for this post, it is a good thing I looked into it before I fell for it.
Schrader
They are still at it! We got it as well from:
Bob Bertolini
CEO
Web Domains & Hosting LLC
You’ve got to love the internet! Thank you for this site so that we didn’t fall for it!
Chris
Yep, got scammed too by Bertolini. I sort of knew it was probably a scam but went thru with it anyway for 88 euros – curious I guess. Now I’m concerned they may sell Credit card data..
I reported them to the government and changed my cc info
Westy
Thanks for the post everyone! He was using the name Anthony Taller (taller@brandnameservice.com) and followed exactly the same script. The giveaway was the bastards forum comment “I will buy those three dot com names we discussed previously. I’ve alredy sent $4,100 to your PayPal account.” As if a real domain broker would discuss this openly in a forum. I’ve reported the scam to phishing-report@us-cert.gov and hope they can do something about this.
Jon
I received this e-mail from “Anthony Taller” yesterday.
“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,
Anthony Taller
Vice President
Brand Name Services Inc”
I will forward it to phishing-report@us-cert.gov. What a let down.
Chris
michael-persson@best-domain-investor.com is the email address that this scammer is using now. I just had a very nice conversation with them.
Michael Bortman
Using this alias now for the scam:
Michael Bortman
CEO
Web Hosting Investment Inc
Domain Name Investing & Web Development
michael-bortman@best-domain-investor.com
And a link to:
http://www.thenamepros.com/Archive/936418269.htm