Beware of Domain name dispute emails from Asia
Dmain Name spam - domain name con artists
I have had a few emails recently from companies claiming to be contacting us because someone else wants to buy up Kenkai domain names. They claim that they are a registration company and they are doing you the courtesy of contacting you prior to selling domain names that use your brand name. Of course, what they then suggest is that you buy the domain names from them first to protect your brand name. It’s not such a bad idea to protect your brand name, but not at exorbitant prices!
These domain name spammers and con artists pray on people that don’t know any better. People that don’t realise that if you are based in the UK and you own the .co.uk and .com versions of a domain name, it doesn’t really matter if someone then comes in and buys the .ltd.com version of the domain name, it’s never going to rank higher in the engines over a well optimised .com or .co.uk website with superior longevity.
If you do want to buy such domain names to protect your brand name, go to somewhere like 123-Reg, who you can buy a .co.uk for £2.79 per year and a .com, .org, .info or .biz for £8.99 per year and don’t pay the domain name con-men £35 or £45 for the same domain name. If you want to check to see if your domain name is available you can check it out here: domain name registration.
Westtechnology.asia
The most recent such email I received, was from an Asia company calling themselves, westtechnology.asia, from a member of their staff called Angle Yu using the email address, angle.yu@westech.hk.cn.
They claim that a company called Volats International have asked them to buy Kenkai.asia, kenkai.com.hk, kenkai.com.tw, kenkai.hk, kenkai.net.cn, kenkai.org.cn,
kenkai.tw, as well as the ”Internat Trademark” kenkai. These pointless domain names cost $200 plus each!
Volats International may well want to buy these domain names and Westtechnology.asia may well not be a bunch of conning, spam-bastards, sending unsolicited emails out with the intention of ripping off unsuspecting site owners. In fact, I’m sure both Volats and West Technology are genuine, honest companies and the fact that they use spam to solicit their business and that it has been a month and none of these domain names are yet owned by Volats International, is purely a coincidence.
Whether Westtechnology.asia are genuine or not and whether Volats International exists or doesn’t, I won’t be buying these worthless domain names in a hurry and I would suggest that unless you are targeting a Tiawanese market, for example, don’t buy them from these people either.
If you have an example of similar emails, I would love to hear from you.
19 Responses to “Beware of Domain name dispute emails from Asia”
August 21st, 2008 at 10:12 pm
Thanks for this! I received a similar email today, from the same company, West Technology Limited, Hayee @ westech.hk.cn
I didn’t trust it, used google to find information about it and found your post. I agree, even though I haven’t replied to their email, I’m sure it’s just a scam, asking high prices to register the domain names through their services.
Thanks for posting this!
August 28th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Thanks for the post. This email made it to my CIO. We have no intention of calling them. I just wanted everyone else to the body of this message.
—————————–
Dear President/CEO:
We are the domain name registration organization in Asia, which is mainly responsible for domain name registration and dispute. We have some points need to confirm with your company on intellectual property right on Internet.
On Aug 27,2008, we have received an application form on domain name registration from one company named”Daffadilly International Holdings Ltd”. They put forward to register the following Domain names:
djj.hk
djj.com.hk
djj.co.in
djj.sg
djj.tw
djj.com.tw
Internet keyword:
Djj
through our body.
After our initial auditing, we found that the Internet Keyword and domain names applied for registration are as same as your company’s name and trademark, and they haven’t filled in the detailed information on the application, so we need to send you an email to confirm whether you have relation with this company. If you do not know this company, we suspect such company wants to do some cybersquatting. Now we have not finished the registration of Daffadilly International Holdings Ltd yet, In order to deal with this issue better, please contact us ASAP.
If you are not in charge of this please transfer this email to some appropriate dept. This would affect your company’s reputation, image and benefit, etc.
Best Regards,
Sherry
—————————–
Hong Kong Office:
Tel: 00852 8122 6293
Fax: 00852-8125-7328
Email: sherry @ westnet.hk.cn
Email: sherry @ asiadm.org (24 hours)
Web: westtechnology.asia
I wonder if their is really a Daffadilly International Holdings Ltd? LOL…I couldn’t find them in any business directory! Hmmmm…
August 29th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Same for me! Thanks for the information!
I agree with this statement by Troy; “I wonder if their is really a Daffadilly International Holdings Ltd? LOL…I couldn’t find them in any business directory! Hmmmm…”
September 4th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
These people are nuts. don’t fall into their trap. First off I am not the CEO. I am a VP so right there draws a red flag. Who is Pressprich International Holdings Ltd? And the name Angus. What am I eating beef? Please.
Dear CEO,
We are the domain name registration organization in Asia, which mainly deal with international company’s domain name registration in Asia. We have something important need to confirm with your company.
On the Sep 3, 2008, we received an application formally. One company named “Pressprich International Holdings Ltd” wanted to register following Domain names:
radecoinc.cn
radecoinc.hk
radecoinc.tw
radecoinc.jp
radecoinc.kr
radecoinc.us
radecoinc.ca
radecoinc.eu
radecoinc.asia
Internet brand:
radeco
radecoinc
through our body.
After our initial examination, we found that the keywords and domain names applied for registration are as same as your company’s name and trademark. These days we are dealing with it. If you do not know this company, we doubt that they have other aims to buy these domain names. Now we have not finished the registration of Pressprich company yet, in order to deal with this issue better, Please contact us by telephone or email as soon as possible.
Best Regards,
Angus
Auditing Department
———————————————
Tel: +852-8226-1011
Fax: +852-8226-1055 +852-3059-3080
Web: westtechnology.asia
September 10th, 2008 at 10:05 am
I had the exact same one as John re pressprich - who incidentally don’t exist. Also I don’t really care if someone registers the korean version of our domain - I don’t think our product would sell well out there anyway 
I’ve had 2 follow up emails from them since telling me how they can only fend off presswich for another 3 days - I sent them a rather shitty response which will hopefully let them know where they stand with us.
September 10th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
I have received today the same message,my feelings are that these persons just want money from you,nothing else. take attention…..
September 12th, 2008 at 1:56 am
I received a similar e-mail from Lily Chen at westtechnology.org:
Dear CEO,
We are a domain name registrar centre in HongKong.and in charge of the registeration in Asia.We have something important need to confirm with your company.
On Sep 10, 2008,we received a formal application from a company called “S-Excel Corp” applying to register
internet trademark: XXXXXXXXX
And the domain names:
XXXXXXXXX.asia
XXXXXXXXX.cn
XXXXXXXXX.com.cn
XXXXXXXXX.com.hk
XXXXXXXXX.com.tw
XXXXXXXXX.hk
XXXXXXXXX.in
XXXXXXXXX.tw
During our auditing procedure we find out that the alleged “S-Excel Corp” has no trade mark, Intellectual property, nor patent even similar to that word.we have the duty to inform you this matter. If you do not know this company, we doubt that they have other aims to buy these domain names. Now we have not finished the registration of S-Excel Corp yet, in order to deal with this issue better, please let someone who is responsible for trademark or domain name contact me as soon as possible.
Best Regards,
Lily Chen.
Auditing Director
September 22nd, 2008 at 3:43 am
I got the same one, you can check out;
Dear CEO,
We are West Technology Limited,which is the Internet Registration Center in China. We have something important need to confirm with your company.
On the Sep 19, 2008, we received an application formally. One company named “XXXXXX Holdings Limited” applied for the internet Brand Name”xxxxxx”
Domain names
“xxxxxx.asia
xxxxxx.cn
xxxxxx.com.cn
xxxxxx.hk
xxxxxx.in
xxxxxx.mobi
xxxxxx.tw .” etc
These days we are dealing with it, After our initial examination, we found that the internet Brand Name and domain names applied for registration are as same as your company’s name and trademark. hope to get the affirmation of your company because that may relate to your intellectual property on internet. Now we have not finished the registration of MNRIDEPY company yet, in order to deal with this issue better, please let someone who is responsible for trademark or domain name contact me as soon as possible.
Best Regards,
Jesse
Sponsoring Registrar:
West Technology Limited.
3A, Units 20/F, Far East Consortium Bldg.,
121 Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +(852)-9566 0103 ; +(852)-9566 0205
Fax:+(852) -8226 1055
Email: jesse @ westtechnology.org
Website:west-technology.net
September 22nd, 2008 at 12:49 pm
I´ve got exactly the same email today from tom.tang @ westtechnology.org however I was answered right back as I know about intellectual property to receive another email. The email goes:
Thanks for your reply.
We knew your company have registered the domain name “xxxxxxxxx.com” and own the intellectual property, this is why we informed you. But now Edge International Venture Capital Holdings Ltd do not want to register your trademark or domain name “xxxxxxxx.com”, they wanted to apply for other domain names and internet brand you have not registered yet.
Because domain name takes open registration, this is international domain name registration principle. So Edge International Venture Capital Holdings Ltd has right to register it. As a domain name registrar organization , we have no right to stop their application. So required by China government to inform your company to protect your interest.
If you think their registration will confuse your clients and harm your profits, we can send a dispute application document you and help you register these domains within dispute period. I think maybe this is the best way to prevent domain name grab. But if you don’t think their application will affect your company, you can give up,we will finish their registration.
Hope get your decision asap then we can handle the next step better.
Best Regards.
Tom Tang
Can´t believe some people! I´ll post again if I get something else.
September 24th, 2008 at 4:56 am
We are an Indian based Architecture and Engineering outsourcing company, yesterday we got a mail from China saying that someone interested in our web name..
However thanks for all the post to get the real story
——————-
Dear CEO,
Hello!
We are a domain name registrar centre in HongKong.and in charge of the registeration in ASIA, We have something important need to confirm through your company.
We received a formal application from a company called “Teyoking Holdings Limited Company” applying to register
Domain names:
3dcindia.asia
3dcindia.cn
3dcindia.com.cn
3dcindia.hk
3dcindia.name
3dcindia.tw
Internet brand: “3dcindia”
In China and also in Asia On the Sep 22 2008.
During our auditing procedure we find out that the alleged “Teyoking Holdings Limited Company” has no trade mark, Intellectual property, nor patent even similar to that word. As authorized anti-cybersquatting organization we hereby suspect the alleged “Teyoking Holdings Limited Company” to be a domain grabber. Hence we need you confirmation for two things.
First of all, whether this alleged “Teyoking Holdings Limited Company” is your business partner or distributor in ASIA.
Secondly, whether you are interested in registering these domains. (The alleged “Teyoking Holdings Limited Company” will be entitled to obtain a domain not needed by original trademark owner.)
If you are not in charge of this please transfer this email to appropriate dept. in order to deal with this issue better, please let someone who is responsible for trademark or domain name contact me as soon as possible.
Best Regards,
Alina Yu
Tel: +852-9566 0103 / +852-9566 0205
Fax: +852-8226 1055
Email:Alina @westtechnology,org
Website:westtechnology,asia
September 25th, 2008 at 4:06 am
Thank you
I received a similiar message today:
Dear CEO,
We are a domain name registrar centre in HongKong.and in charge of the registeration in Asia.We have something important need to confirm with your company.
On Sep 24, 2008,we received a formal application form from HaoYun Investment Co. Ltd who applies to register
internet trademark:excellentis
And the domain names:
excellentis.asia
excellentis.cn
excellentis.com.cn
excellentis.com.hk
excellentis.com.tw
excellentis.hk
excellentis.in
excellentis.tw
During our auditing procedure we find out that the HaoYun Investment Co. Ltd has no trade mark, Intellectual property, nor patent even similar to that word.we have the duty to inform you this matter. If you do not know this company, we doubt that they have other aims to buy these domain names. Now we have not finished the registration of HaoYun Investment Co. Ltd yet, in order to deal with this issue better, please let someone who is responsible for trademark or domain name contact me as soon as possible.
Best Regards,
Lily Chen.
Auditing Director
——————————————————————————–
Tel: + 852 9566 0205
Fax: + 852 8226 1055
Email: lily.chen @ westtechnology.org
Web: west-technology.net
——————————————————————————–
Confidentiality Notice:This is a letter for confirmation. If the mentioned third party is your business partner or distributor in Asia please DO NOT reply. We will automatically confirm application from your business partner after this audit procedure.we have to notify you,and our registration organization are not responsible for any dispute questions about trade mark,intellectual property nor patent after they succeed in registration.hope you can understand.thank you.
September 28th, 2008 at 11:58 am
This is what we received a few days ago.
Pleased to have found this blog, we were wondering what was going on and thought about registering the .cn and .asia domains.
We found out that it seems impossible just to register only the .cn and .asia domains, looks like you have to purchase the lot as in some listings above.
Dear CEO:
We are a domain name registration service company in asia,which mainly deal with international company’s in Asia.We have something important need to confirm with you company.On the September 26th, 2008, we received an application formally.One company named “Mollex International Holdings Ltd” wanted to applying to register “toypost” as internet brand and “.CN/.ASIA” domain names.
During our auditing procedure we find out that the alleged “Mollex International Holdings Ltd” has no trademark, Intellectual property, nor patent even similar to that word. we found that the keywords and domain names applied for registration are as same as your company’s name and trademark. one point need you to confirm:
whether this alleged “Mollex International Holdings Ltd” is your business partner or distributor in ASIA.
if so, we will complete their registration.These days we are dealing with it.If you are not in charge of this please transfer this email to appropriate dept.In order to deal with this issue better,please let someone who is responsible for trademark or domain name contact me as soon as possible.
Best Regards
andy zhou
Auditing Department Manager
ShiShun I.T.Co.,Ltd
Tel:+86-0513-8011 8536
Fax:+86-0513-8011 8539
Email:andy @registryid.cn
WebSite:ssregistry.cn
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:39 pm
I received an email from Cathy@westtechnology.org telling me that a company Saiyang International wants to buy Krickets.asia.tw.hk etc and that we must register for 10 years cost $13,240.
The email souds so ligitimate that I am sure amy people get taken by it.
October 17th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
It happened to us too. Thank you for post on your blog. We almost fell into their trap.
October 28th, 2008 at 8:59 am
We received the same…
Dear CEO,
We are a domain name registrar centre in HongKong.and in charge of the registeration in Asia.We have something important need to confirm with your company.
On October 24, 2008,we received a formal application form from S-Powerful Corp who applies to register
internet trademark:alhouararesort
And the domain names:
alhouararesort.asia
alhouararesort.cn
alhouararesort.com.cn
alhouararesort.com.hk
alhouararesort.com.tw
alhouararesort.hk
alhouararesort.in
alhouararesort.tw
During our auditing procedure we find out that the S-Powerful Corp has no trade mark, Intellectual property, nor patent even similar to that word.we have the duty to inform you this matter. If you do not know this company, we doubt that they have other aims to buy these domain names. Now we have not finished the registration of S-Powerful Corp yet, in order to deal with this issue better, please let someone who is responsible for trademark or domain name contact me as soon as possible.
Best Regards,
Lily Chen.
Auditing Director
Tel: + 852 95660 496
Tel: + 852 95660 489
Fax:+ 852 82261 011
Email:lily.chen @westtechnology.org
Web:west-technology.net
——————————————————————————–
Confidentiality Notice:This is a letter for confirmation. If the mentioned third party is your business partner or distributor in Asia please DO NOT reply. We will automatically confirm application from your business partner after this audit procedure.we have to notify you,and our registration organization are not responsible for any dispute questions about trade mark,intellectual property nor patent after they succeed in registration.hope you can understand.thank you.
November 3rd, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Just received the same sort of proposition. Names change, phone numbers change but the source is obviously the same.
Company not registered with ICANN…
Incredible that one cannot do anything about it… if there is let us know!
November 4th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Hi Guys, thanks for posting this. Really useful and stopped us making a foolish mistake.
We received a similar one from Tom Tang almost exactly the same as James’s email above. I replied asking what a internet trademark was and got this reply…
Good Morning!
Below is the detailed explaination of internet trademark:
: Internet Trademark is the extension of trademark and brand in the internet world. It decides the stability and activity of keyword in the world of internet.
: After registration, any person in any district can type the keyword directly on the IE browser, then they can go to your official website. But If registered by
other company, it will affect the rank of this keyword in google search engine. In another word, if you do not protect it, the result won’t in the first page of any
search engine( Google/ Yahoo etc.) even if you pay much money and time for propaganda. Especially in Asia, your clients can’t search your company.
: After the successful registration, Chinese government will award you an electronic certificate, which will prove your validity of using this trademark in the
internet. Every international corporation has protected its keyword.
Best Regards,
Tom Tang
Sounds pretty ridiculous. They haven’t mentioned any costs to us yet but I can imagine the next email would be asking for cash. So… we won’t be communicating with them any further.
I wonder how many people have been suckered in…
November 18th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Thank you for posting this! I just received a similar email from carol@asiadnr.org.cn from:
Hong Kong Office:
Tel: 00852-9566 0253 (Direct)
Tel: 00852 8122 6293 (Office)
Fax:00852-9566 0302
00852 8125 7328
Email: Carol @westdns.org (Work Time)
Carol@asiadnr.org.cn (24 hours)
Web: west-technology.net
She has been bullying me about registering with them. Thanks for the heads-up!
August 28th, 2008 at 9:24 am
Similarly, I’ve just received one of these, this time from andy.Wang @ westech.hk.cn - clearly a producer of domain name spam, which is one of may hundreds of types of spam that we receive. Unusually, this one got through.
What a shame we can’t organise ourselves so that we can block this kind of spam, or at least make it much more difficult. On the ‘wrong’ side of our spam filter we receive 100,000 e-mails a day. Around 500 of these are valid e-mails. If we’re typical, and I believe we are, then most of the world’s e-mail bandwidth is being ’stolen’ by these bandits.
Thanks for providing website space aimed at this problem.