Domains are pure digital assets that move instantly, which is why selling one attracts scammers. The good news: nearly every domain-selling scam uses the same handful of tricks. Know them, insist on real escrow, and you'll get paid safely.
A domain can be pushed to a new account in minutes and is hard to claw back, so scammers target sellers eager to close. The pressure to move fast is the weapon — slow the deal down and most scams fall apart.
Close through Escrow.com or a registrar/marketplace's built-in escrow, and always start the transaction yourself by typing the address in — never a link the buyer sends. Real escrow releases your money only after the transfer is confirmed.
For domains, avoid PayPal Goods & Services, personal checks, and card payments you can't protect — all can be reversed after you've handed over the name. Escrow or an irreversible, verified method only. If a buyer refuses escrow, that is the scam revealing itself.
Prefer a registrar push (moving the domain within the same registrar) or a proper transfer with the auth/EPP code released only after escrow confirms funds. Never share the auth code before payment is secured.
Registrar marketplaces, established auction platforms, and direct sales closed through escrow are all safe when you control the process. If you'd rather not handle vetting and closing at all, a broker or our brokerage runs it end to end.