So we got the resolution of our domain-squatting adventure. We still don’t know how they were able to hijack our preferred domain name, but it no longer matters. We’ve moved on. We’ve chosen a different name, already have the new design, etc.

But it still bewilders us that this could have happened.

After we realized that domain squatters had “borrowed” our chosen domain name, we sent them a couple of emails asking them if they’d sell us the name. I offered $150, assuming that a 15x return (the domain name would have originally cost us $10) might be enticing. I didn’t really expect them to jump for joy with the offer, but then again, I didn’t feel like paying a lot of money just because someone infiltrated EuroDNS’s security.

They never even responded to my offer.

But they did respond to Carlos’s email, which didn’t specify a price limit. They generously offered to sell us the domain name for $14.900 — that is, $14.890 more than we would’ve paid if they hadn’t hijacked our domain name.

Isn’t that extortion? Maybe they’ll find some other sucker, because we’re not interested.

Following is the text of the email exchange.

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From: “information@webadvertisingcorp.com”
Date: 8 de agosto de 2007 22:14:57 GMT+02:00
To: Carlos Mantero
Subject: Re: Purchase of [XXXDomainName].com

We are happy to announce that the domain is currently for sale.
Our offer is $14900 US.
Sincerely yours

On Jul 30, 2007, at 11:41 AM, Carlos Mantero wrote:

Hello,

We are interested in the domain [XXXDomainName].com. Can you tell me the price of the domain please?

Cheers

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