Hello,
I registered my domain on afternic half a year ago...
Today, I received an email notifying me that my domain has been sold...
Furthermore, they are requesting the transfer authentication code for my domain...
In my search for information about them, I discovered numerous complaints regarding their payment practices, with many negative reviews on Trustpilot and g2.com, as well as here.
At this moment, I require the funds, but I am hesitant to entrust my website to them due to the numerous comments suggesting that they either do not pay sellers after the transfer or consistently delay payments.
However, it is worth noting that Afternic is a GoDaddy brand...
I find myself puzzled. What course of action should I take? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Firstly, it's critical to always ensure that the email you received is genuinely from Afternic, rather than a phishing attempt. The email should be from a domain (@afternic.com) and not contain any suspicious or unusual elements, such as spelling errors or strange links.
If the email is legit, you should contact Afternic's customer service or support directly to discuss your concerns. GoDaddy is a reliable and significant organization, but it doesn't necessarily mean that all of its subdivisions or brands will operate flawlessly.
To assuage your concerns, here are some steps you could take:
dоcument everything: Keep the dоcumentation of every step you take, including screenshotting the sales process and conversion on the website. Download and keep the emails and all saved messages.
Contact Afternic directly: Let them know about your concerns and ask them to specify the process and timeline for payments. You have a right to clear information.
Check your sale completion: Request written confirmation that the sale has indeed completed before you take any further action.
Negotiate an Escrow for safety: If still doubtful, you can propose a trusted Escrow service to handle the transaction. This way, the buyer pays the Escrow service, and they don't release the funds to you until you deliver the domain to the buyer. There might be an extra fee involved, but it provides an extra layer of protection.
Get legal advice: It might be helpful to consult with a legal expert specializing in online business transactions if the value of your domain is significant.
Get in touch with GoDaddy: Because Afternic is a GoDaddy subsidiary, reaching out to GoDaddy could also provide you with resources and support to reassure you of the transaction's safety.
In case of an unfortunate event where you are not being paid for your sold domain, remember that you have the rights to your intellectual property. In such a situation, you can seek legal action against any malpractice, especially if you dоcumented all interactions and transaction processes as stated above.
When dealing with transactions like these, especially online where there is ambiguity, it's crucial to take as many steps as possible to ensure your security. Here's what else you can do:
Get payment first: This is based on policy and contractual agreement, however, if it's possible that Afternic or the buyer pays you before the transfer, that'd be ideal. Domain transactions normally include a policy where the buyer's payment is secured first, and then only the domain transfer begins. Refer to Afternic's policy for secure transactions, which usually involves escrow.
No direct contact with the buyer: Always use official communication channels during the domain transfer process and avoid sharing transfer authentication codes directly with the buyer. All transactional details should go through Afternic.
Follow up regularly: If you choose to go ahead with the transaction, be sure to follow up regularly until you're paid. Stay assertive about your concerns and assert your rights to timely and complete payment.
And finally, if your interactions with Afternic continue to create doubt or if they don't uphold their promises, don't hesitate to take further steps. Contact GoDaddy, Afternic's parent company, and inform them about the situation. If necessary, review your legal options. While these might seem like drastic measures, defending your rights and interests is paramount.
It's important to make sure you are comfortable with the transaction before proceeding. If at any point, red flags arise, or the process becomes murky, you always have the option to withdraw or seek external assistance and advice from an expert or legal professional.