Bought hijacked domain, what to do?

[Cyber Ability]

Any updates? I hope you atleast get your money back. good luck!

I will know more Monday, I'll let you all know how it goes.

[Domagon]

I assume you are doing this already, but research everything about the seller ... in particular, do they own a home, car, etc ... and in general, what assets do they actually own.

If they own decent amount of assets, pursuing legal civil action is likely to be sucessful; seller may settle if backed into a corner.

If the seller appears to own few, if any, decent assets, then you need to see if you can somehow get their bank account frozen - likely require the FBI (I assume from your previous posts the seller is in the U.S.) to get involved ... not sure who can freeze a bank account - perhaps you get a court order? Obviously an experienced attorney will know the options.

Anyways, key is to determine assets the seller has, and if possible try to get "freeze" or somehow gain some "leverage" so to speak. One can't get blood from a stone ... if they own little to nothing, then you're likely out of luck and chalk it up as a learning experience; tax deduction maybe ... FBI may pursue criminal action if pressed, but don't count on that going anywhere fast.

Ron

[carlton]

This is a case for criminal prosecution. Malicious fraud.

[Alexander]

What if the seller didn't hijack the domain. What if he bought it from someone else and didn't know it was hijacked?

[Domagon]

FBI usually doesn't do much unless the dollar amount is high enough and/or is under political pressure. Otherwise the FBI (same goes for most enforcement authorities) basically simply take some paperwork, say a few reassuring words, and file it ... and that's basically all :(

Even if the seller bought the "stolen" domain from someone else unknowingly, they are still most likely liable for financial damages to the current buyer; in that hypothetical situation the seller would then likely pursue a lawsuit against the first seller.

Ron