Is this a scam

[domaingirl]

I just received an email which is pasted below. I googled the sender and saw a blog that thinks it is a scam. Anyone ever get one of these. The scammer apparently tried to get you to pay for a valuation and then doesn't buy the domain. Obviously, I wouldn't do a valuation but am curious:

Hello,

From time to time, I'm checking online auctions. Several hours ago I've found your domain name ----.

Just email me your price and we will consider it.

Of course, domain reselling is not a main direction of our business (we develop software). But domain aftermarket is hot now, so we are always interested in domain names.

Looking forward to do business with you.

Regards,
Patrick Harrison
Chief Operations Officer
PHK Consulting

 

[Theo]

Does not look like an appraisal scam, more like a "buy low, sell high" cookie-cutter email.
Let me guess, it was sent from a Gmail account?
I tell them to email me from their corporate email address; they vanish faster than I can whisper "lowballer!"

 

[fish]

I'd say that is the infamous appraisal scam, 99.9% chance. How I can tell is the "domain reselling is not a main direction of our business (we develop software)" part. This as well as their signature, which is likely a made up name, give it away. Expect them to ask you for a "certified appraisal certificate" soon - then you'll know for sure.

 

[cadillac880]

If it is what I am thinking it is.....

I have gotten many of these over the years as the transaction progresses the "buyer" wants a so called independent company to appraise the domain at your own expense. After you appraise the domain the buyer either disappears, is no longer interested, or tells you the company bought a similar domain for much less.

Somehow the "buyer" makes commission for each appraisal he/she refers or works for the company or is a reseller or something else. I haven’t figured this part out yet but rest assure he/she is making money and all you are left with is a worthless appraisal.

Hope this helps.

 

[domaingirl]

Thanks everyone. Your right Joe, it is the appraisal scam. I looked a little further and found this string of emails. Go down to the April 23, 2008 entry at the end and you'll see the subsequent emails that this guy writes: http://paulenderson.com/2007/10/12/toughguynet-domain-name-appraisal-scam/

 

[Jeffreyw]

Having limited financial resources helped me not to fall for that scam.

 

[cadillac880]

What funny is the address of the alleged scammer posted in the blog you are refering to is about 20 minutes top from me. What a small world!

 

[itzzme]

is a scam

 

[Dale Hubbard]

These solicitations are 99% appraisal scams. If you need a paid appraisal, paypal me $5000 and I'll oblige in short order...

 

[HarveyJ]

:lol: when I saw the name of the guy in the ToughGuy scams, for a moment I thought it was Shoemoney. Good thing I double checked the spelling.

 

[Justin Hulsey]

yep, definitely a scam. i got the EXACT same email yesterday from 'ol "Mr. Harrison". did you recently list your domain on Sedo?