Funmark Advertising Rich Schott Domain Name Ransom Annapolis Maryland

 Rich Schott represented himself to me as an internet advertising specialist and encouraged me to have my own internet domain name about 2006. He charged me $75 per year for name registration and forwarding to my primary website host. In 8/2012 I received my e-mail invoice and promptly paid it on-line to his billing service. In December 2012 Google Maps phoned me to update my file because my website was not working. Upon investigation I discoverd that my name registration had expired. After several unanswered phone calls and e-mails to Rich Schott, I finally reached him, whereupon he told me I hadn't paid my renewal, so it lapsed. He stuck to this lie even in the face of my e-mailing him a copy of my receipt from his system. He told me I could still possibly redeem it for from $250 to $500, but it was out of his hands and he had no further interest. He added that there are people who watch for expiring names with high traffic volumes and snap them up the instant they become available.

I contacted eNom, who I believe to be complicit in this scam, who told me I couldn't redeem the name because I didn't own it, Rich Schott owned it thru a different company and only he could redeem it, so the registration lapsed. Periodically I would search the web, seeing if anyone else was using it, but nothing until 7/2013 when I was contacted via email by Chris @acquirethisname.com, who introduced himself as MY broker to help me negotiate the purchase of my former name from the current owner, who was, of course, anonymous. He said the asking price was around $3,000. I told him I would pay $100 max and not to bother me again with any other price. I have heard nothing since then.

I also seached Funmark and Rich Schott for adverse reports because I was sure this was an organized scam and couldn't believe I was the only victim, but nothing popped up. I finally searched acquirethisname.com and hit on it. This is a well-established scam with many players.

I have recently filed complaints with the Maryland AG's office and the FTC, but it will probably be years before they do anything about this fraud.

Many people already know how bad acquirethisname is. I want them to know what a creepy, slimy b*****d Rich Schott is, as well. His company name is telling, as well. Funmark- he has the fun and you are the mark. He also operates a charter fishing business- Chesapeake Bay Sportfishers, LLC, boat name: Gotcha! Also telling of his mind frame.