How to Spot a Scammer in Domain Business (1.Viewing)

How to Spot a Scammer in Domain Business: A Must-Read Guide for New Sellers

Being in the domain and website brokering space for quite some time now, I regularly receive messages from 5 to 10 scammers every week. Over time, I’ve developed an instinct to immediately identify whether someone is a scammer or a genuine buyer, even from their first message.

Let me help you understand how to spot a scammer and also how to recognize a real, trustworthy buyer.

Red Flags: How to Identify a Scammer

1. Fake or Suspicious Profile
Scammers often use fake identities. Their profiles usually contain:

No real profile picture (or use of random stock images)

Recently created accounts (usually a few days to months old)

Very limited posts, friends, or activity

Locked profiles with no public visibility

Often avoid direct conversations and push you to other platforms

2. They Prefer Untraceable Payment Methods

Be cautious if someone insists on:

PayPal (Friends & Family)

Wise

Crypto payments

Other lesser-known or irreversible payment platforms

Never agree to these unless you absolutely trust the buyer.

3. They Push You to Use Telegram Immediately
While not everyone on Telegram is a scammer, in my experience, over 80% of domain/website "buyers" on Telegram turn out to be scammers. They use Telegram because:

It doesn’t reveal their real identity

It’s harder to report and block them

They can easily delete or disappear after scamming

4. Unrealistic Offers & Urgency
Scammers will often offer:

A much higher price than your asking rate

Create a sense of urgency to close the deal fast

Try to confuse you with unusual conditions or ask for upfront work/payment

How to Recognize a Genuine Buyer

1. Authentic Profile

Real display picture

Verified identity or visible online presence

Active for 2–5 years or more

Clear digital footprint (LinkedIn, domain forums, etc.)

2. Preferred Payment Platforms

Escrow.com | Never buy or sell online without using Escrow.com.
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Sell, Buy and Park Domains with Afternic
Daaz: #1 Domain Marketplace to Buy Domains, Sell Domains

These platforms are safe, secure, and widely trusted in the industry.

3. Professional Communication

No unnecessary urgency

Clear about terms

Willing to negotiate properly

Transparent about who they are and what they want

4. Industry Reputation

You can verify their identity through domain communities like NamePros, LinkedIn, or Twitter

May already have public deals, reviews, or testimonials from past transactions

Pro Tips to Stay Safe:

Always do a reverse image search of the buyer’s profile picture. You’ll be surprised how many are stolen from Google.

Never rush into deals that feel "too good to be true" — they usually are.

If you’re ever unsure, ask for a LinkedIn profile, domain portfolio, or any kind of online presence.

Trust your gut. If something feels off, walk away.

Stay smart, stay safe. The more you learn, the harder it becomes for scammers to fool you.

Let’s protect our industry and help each other grow with trust and transparency.

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Be cautious if someone insists on:

PayPal (Friends & Family)

Wise

Crypto payments

Other lesser-known or irreversible payment platforms

Click to expand...