Sites with .co.cc domains - too good to be true?

[John Kennett]

We regularly have people posting here about offers that appear too good to be true, wanting to know whether or not it's a scam.

Almost without exception the answer is "yes, of course it is, but you knew that anyway really didn't you?".

A few simple things to bear in mind:

If the company is using a .co.cc domain for their web site you can assume it's a scam. Simple as that. Do not pass Go, do not collect £200. I'm not aware of any legitimate company in this industry using a .co.cc domain name, and it would be foolish to do so as everyone would assume you're a scammer anyway.

If you can't speak to someone, or can't see the boat for some reason or another, you can assume it's a scam. It's a bit obvious really, just think whether you would really be happy wiring thousands of pounds to someone you can only contact by email, for something you have never seen. Even if they offer you all sorts of guarantees. Duh, like they'll really give your money back.

If the price is so low as to be unbelievable, you can assume it's a scam. Nobody is going to sell you a brand new 200hp Verado for £4,000. It's just never going to happen. But you knew that really, didn't you?

Here's a bit of light reading:

Any one know this seller? Watch out?
To good to be true
dodgey prices
Massive scam--ebay !!! Tornado 5.5
Do you know this seller ??
Fraudulent outboard seller

[BogMonster]

Here's a bit more light reading

Google dumps all 11+ million .co.cc sites from its results ? The Register