Tough request from a new customer.

[HFultzjr]

Ok,
So I get a call from a very small business (4 computers).
Their issue is the owner's e-mail is not working (Using Outlook Express)
Along with dying hard drives, and a slew of other issues.
The main problem is their domain XXXXX.com
It is registered under the previous tech ( fly by night pizza tech).
It's in his name via whois lookup and some other information I found out.
Of course, customer has no record of anything, as he paid him in cash.
Domain is set to expire in 2 months.
Now the good part. Previous tech in currently in trouble with the law, as he has other issues.
Police are investigating fraud violations, as he used this customer's PayPal to buy some things.
Among other illegal issues he has done to this customer, so obviously they are not on good terms.
Anyways, all other thing aside, my biggest concern right now, is how to get the domain registered to the business owner? I'm thinking, since he has no records, he might just be screwed. My thoughts are hoping it can be snatched up right after it expires. Provided it is not auto re-new.
This owner did so many wrong things:
Gave keys to the building
Let tech create and keep all passwords, Bank, PayPal, E-mail, Shopping, Log-ins, ALL OF THEM.
Has access to their network via Teamviewer.
Dealt with cash and no paper work on what was done or charged.
I normally would walk away from this one, but owner is willing to pay top dollar and so far has not questioned 1 thing I've done or billed for. Potential for some very good money ( I'm making it worth my while) and possible continued support. He is also in no hurry, as he can get his e-mail at home. A lot of PITA work ($$$), but my concern is what happens when his domain expires?

Any thoughts appreciated.

 

[nlinecomputers]

You'll have to contact the domain registrar that was used. All of them have forms you can file to gain control of the account. You'll have to provide proof of ownership and proof of identification. It is all doable just a PITA. I certainly wouldn't walk away from this client. You have the opportunity to fix his problems correctly and build a solid customer, who will recommend you to others.

 

[nlinecomputers]

Also to prove your case the owner needs to file charges of identity theft for the domain name.

 

[cypress]

This owner did so many wrong things:
Gave keys to the building
Let tech create and keep all passwords, Bank, PayPal, E-mail, Shopping, Log-ins, ALL OF THEM.
Has access to their network via Teamviewer.
Dealt with cash and no paper work on what was done or charged.
I normally would walk away from this one, but owner is willing to pay top dollar and so far has not questioned 1 thing I've done or billed for. Potential for some very good money ( I'm making it worth my while) and possible continued support. He is also in no hurry, as he can get his e-mail at home. A lot of PITA work ($$$), but my concern is what happens when his domain expires?

Any thoughts appreciated.

Wow! Wondering how long this tech worked for them for all this to happen?

You'll have to contact the domain registrar that was used. All of them have forms you can file to gain control of the account. You'll have to provide proof of ownership and proof of identification. It is all doable just a PITA. I certainly wouldn't walk away from this client. You have the opportunity to fix his problems correctly and build a solid customer, who will recommend you to others.

I completely agree. I went through this with a client as well. Previous tech guy setup domain 3 years ago and it was set to expire this coming June. Unable to reach previous tech that registered the domain under their name. Had to contact registrar and explain situation and go through the whole paper work process with having their client submit their business info and identification to prove it belongs to them.

 

[nlinecomputers]

This may help you outline the process. http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/cybersquatting-what-what-can-be-29778.html

 

[TurricanII]

I I would offer £100 to the previous tech in case he was able to transfer the domain in an orderly fashion. Chances are he needs the money.

If his laptop or whatever has been seized by the police in connection with the other fraud then there is every chance he doesn't have the details to log in and control the domain. So best to crack on with the registrar asap

 

[Markverhyden]

Yep, get with the registrar. Unfortunately this happens far to often due to dishonest techs as well as foolish business owners. But do not drag you feet. This may take some time. But hopefully they have some kind of a regular website using their domain with the contact information which will make things a bit easier.

 

[HFultzjr]

This may help you outline the process. http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/cybersquatting-what-what-can-be-29778.html

nlinecomputers,
Thanks for that link.
Harold

 

[HFultzjr]

Thanks for all the good tips everyone. I'm getting in touch with the registrar and explaining the situation. Will see how it goes

Harold

 

[fencepost]

For the domain, it may end up as simple as faxing or overnighting something on company letterhead, possibly accompanied by a photocopy of a drivers license. If the domain content is correctly showing your customer's info, you might include in the letter something like "I can be reached at xxx-xxx-xxxx (the number on our website), ask to speak with (insert name here) the owner."

You should also make sure you have a complete mirror of the site - is the hosting handled by that former tech as well and might it go away with no warning if he's failed to pay a hosting bill?

 

[TurricanII]

I presume that if you can forcibly take control of the domain through the registrar that you may need somewhere to move it to.

I have never been through the process but I would buy a £15 hosting from tsohost (UK) or US equivalent that includes webspace and DNS hosting and would upload the site if poss, set up pop3 mailboxes if they will need moving and add the DNS records for the domain, particularly mx and SPF ready to rock and roll.

 

[seedubya]

@HFultzjr Harold, please let us know how it goes. I've never had to do it yet but I'd like to know for sure it can be done.

 

[HFultzjr]

I'll keep you all posted.
Owner is away for a few days, so next week I'll tackle this part of his problem.
I want/need him there when I contact the registrar
In the process of getting a copy of the police report also.
Lots of other things I'm doing for him.
Turns out, they probably will be a pretty good customer.

 

[Markverhyden]

Great to hear, that they'll be a good customer.

 

[Colin]

in any case dont let the website expire, some registrars have a 6 month "holding" just so the previous owner wants to renew, and then you dont have a 100% chance once the domain comes back you will get it.

 

[HFultzjr]

Update as of today.
Finally got to sit down with the owner and we contacted the registrar via phone support.
Went through the various channels/prompts, got to the proper department, usual phone bullcrap.
Explained situation and circumstances. was asked security question answers, password, etc, all of which owner didn't have.
Was told to submit an e-mail explaining to yet another department.
E-mail needs to contain documentation of business ownership, ID, business license.
Currently getting info from owner to compose e-mail.

I'll keep you updated

 

[nlinecomputers]

Update as of today.
Finally got to sit down with the owner and we contacted the registrar via phone support.
Went through the various channels/prompts, got to the proper department, usual phone bullcrap.
Explained situation and circumstances. was asked security question answers, password, etc, all of which owner didn't have.
Was told to submit an e-mail explaining to yet another department.
E-mail needs to contain documentation of business ownership, ID, business license.
Currently getting info from owner to compose e-mail.

I'll keep you updated

IOW this is going as expected. You will get them there it will just be a PITA. (But a billable PITA)

 

[Choppie]

Taking ownership of a domain is a big deal, may even require going to court! The registrar is on the hook if it turns out someone scammed them, and it's a major big deal to let a web domain get scammed. I know the story is legit but still, how does the registrar know the whole story--they don't, they only know your side of the story. I am slowly moving all my 18 + domains to hover.com and its kind of a big deal to do that, even if I own them all, lots of verifications involved. Some I built for clients and I simply go in there and input the clients info in there with their email and they get the notifications of the change, but I still manage them in my hover account. Back to my going to court comment, Eddy Muster had to take his web guy to court and SUE HIM to get ownership of what he THOUGHT was his domain--exactly what you guys are talking about here. Here is the story...interesting.

The guy is a scumbag, trying to latch on to Butch Patrick's fame then hold his page for ransom.....the guy HAS NO SHAME to go on TV and argue his point......