Since the whole domaining industry started way back, domain name hijacking has always been rampant and a huge problem. One of the most famous case was Sex.COM, it was taken from the owner and was sold for a huge sum. This is one thing that disturbs every domainer as not only is our assets intangible but it is even easily stolen. So I was thinking how about a tighter security or an insurance service for domain names…
… Lately Daniel Goncalves, had been finally put to prison after stealing a domain name from Marc Ostrofsky and sold to an NBA Player for $111,000 for the domain name P2P.COM. Although it took a long process, it was a huge relief for a lot of domainers as the law could finally protect us somehow. But still some are still doing it, lately I’ve received of an offer for my domain name (IScrapMetal.COM for $15,000, that’s way too good to be true). I researched and found that it is actually a scam and an automated message sent to domain owners.
So I was thinking of a more tighter security or something for domainers or domain name owners. Like before a certain domain name must be transferred, a phone call must be made to verify the transfer of ownership. Or there must be a security feature that will really make us feel secure, even if its more hassle to transfer a domain name but as long as we know it’s safe then it should be ok. Or add a button for domain names that I want to manually call to transfer or something. Why not have an domain name insurance service? Like have professional evaluators to evaluate the value and if both sides agree then an insurance service is bought. So at least if something does actually happen, the insurance can issue compensation and probably help you with your case.
The point here is that we need security or insurance for our investments. Whatever security feature or insurance it has to make us feel comfortable. If domaining is our bread and butter, we need to feel secured. I hope to see improvements soon, the law is catching up and registrars need to catch up too.
Subscribe to TechFilipino Now!
Twitter Updates on Internet & Domaining
Or Subscribe Via Email and get FREE Email Updates!
2 Responses
Follow this Conversation, subscribe to our RSS feed for comments on this post.
@Francis,
I also received a similar email inquiry. Strange thing is the amount is exactly the same-$15K. However, this seems to be not automated as we have several email exchanges whose contents were responses to the negotiation process.
Funny thing is he is pushing to have a domain appraisal from a list he provided. So I told him, it is the buyers responsibility to pay for the appraisal. I know my price. So if he doesn’t agree to it, then he goes to the professional appraisers. Then I never got a follow through. Looks like there are lots of smart guys out there.
@fisher: That’s true, as they say if its too good to be true it probably is. Anyways their offer was too crazy and the replies are weird. But you’re right, it really comes down to out price as there’s really no standard prices.