Greetings!

I've made the decision to put a few of my domains up for sale on various platforms like Sedo and Dynadot. Recently, I was contacted by a broker who notified me that a businessman is interested in purchasing two of my domains at a maximum price of $15,000 each. However, they have requested that I obtain certification to ensure that there are no trademarks in the domain names. The certification can be obtained from domainswanted.net.

I am wondering if this could potentially be a scam, or if it is truly necessary to obtain the certification. What are your thoughts on this matter?

I recently received a similar email from brokers.
Having nothing to do, I decided to talk, see how they will breed me for a paid assessment, etc.

Communicated with them almost obscenely. In short, only when it came to escrow I realized that these were real buyers. They bought a domain, didn't ask for a paid assessment.

Firstly, you should be attentive to the worlds they say. Try to ask for the details of the deal.
Secondly, you can check out in some national registers if there are such ones.
And finally, get luck in domain trading 

It appears that the scenario with your customer is a clear fraudulent scheme. While certification can be beneficial, particularly for those engaged in legitimate business, I have found it helpful to seek a compromise when communicating with such clients. For example, I once agreed to certification from a website I trust and which has established credibility over time. If such clients refuse, then we simply do not come to an agreement, regardless of the amount they are willing to pay.

I would also like to caution you that buyers may send you to fake service providers that work for them. Before agreeing to certification, it's important to verify the credibility of the website or service provider. This can be done by examining its history, reading reviews from multiple sources, and so on.

More like spam or a scam. In any case, do not give away the domain to anyone until you receive the money.

It's essential to understand that the domain industry, like any other lucrative market, is not immune to scams and fraudulent activities. Over the years, numerous domainers have fallen victim to various schemes, ranging from phishing attempts to intricate domain hijacking ploys. Therefore, it's crucial to exercise extreme caution when dealing with unfamiliar entities or requests that deviate from industry norms.

In the case you've described, several red flags immediately catch my attention. The buyer's request for certification from "domainswanted.net" is highly unusual and raises suspicions. Most reputable domain buyers and brokers rely on well-established trademark verification services, such as those provided by ICANN's Trademark Clearinghouse, regional intellectual property offices, or specialized legal firms with extensive experience in domain-related matters.

The fact that the buyer is willing to offer a substantial amount ($15,000 per domain) yet insists on using an obscure certification service is perplexing. In my experience, serious buyers with significant budgets typically have robust due diligence processes in place, often involving their in-house legal teams or trusted third-party service providers.

There are a few potential scenarios that come to mind:

1. Scam attempt: As mentioned earlier, this could be an elaborate scam where the buyer attempts to extract sensitive personal or financial information from you under the pretext of obtaining this "certification." Scammers often employ convoluted tactics to lure unsuspecting victims into their traps.

2. Stalling tactic: It's possible that the buyer's request is a deliberate attempt to stall or complicate the transaction for reasons unknown. Some unscrupulous individuals may try to gain leverage or create confusion by making unusual demands.

3. Lack of industry knowledge: In a less nefarious scenario, the buyer or broker might simply be unfamiliar with industry best practices and standard procedures for domain acquisitions. However, this scenario seems less likely, given the substantial monetary value involved.

Regardless of the underlying motivation, my advice would be to exercise extreme caution and prioritize the protection of your valuable domain assets. Here are a few recommended steps you could take:

1. Reach out to the broker directly: Contact the broker who facilitated this potential sale and request detailed information about the buyer, their company, and the rationale behind their specific certification request. Reputable brokers should be able to provide you with transparent and satisfactory explanations.

2. Consult industry experts: Consider consulting with experienced domain attorneys, industry veterans, or reputable domain organizations to seek their professional opinions on this matter. They may be able to provide valuable insights and guidance based on their extensive knowledge and experience.

3. Decline the request and explore alternative channels: If you remain unconvinced or uncomfortable with the buyer's request, you can politely decline and continue marketing your domains through established platforms and channels. There is no shortage of legitimate buyers and brokers in the domain industry, and it's better to err on the side of caution.

4. Conduct thorough due diligence: Should you decide to proceed with this buyer, ensure that you conduct thorough due diligence on their background, company, and legitimacy. Cross-reference information from multiple sources and consult with legal professionals if necessary.

In the domain industry, where valuable digital assets are involved, vigilance and caution are paramount. As a seasoned domainer, protecting your portfolio and safeguarding your interests should be your top priority.

This "certification" request sounds like a classic red flag. Trademark clearance is usually done via official trademark databases or legal counsel, not some third-party site like domainswanted.net. Legit buyers might ask for a trademark check, but they won't insist you pay for a dubious "certification."

It smells like a broker trying to upsell you or even a scam aiming to extract fees before any deal closes. Protect your assets—always do your own due diligence through USPTO or WIPO databases and consult IP attorneys if needed.