Complaint Review: Domain Monkeys LLC - Golden Colorado

  On 4/16/2016, I purchased a domain name through an online auction site. After winning the auction, I was notified that the domain was registered with a company called Domain Monkeys, LLC. My intention was to transfer the domain name from this registrar to my full-service registrar where I can manage all of my accounts, web hosting, domains, mail, etc. Because of the 60 day lock on domain names after they are acquired, I had to wait (2) months before being able to initiate the transfer. During this time, I purchased WHOIS privacy on the domain from the registrar.

  In the last week of June 2016, I began the process of transferring the domain to my new registrar. In order to do this, I had to remove WHOIS privacy on the domain. Doing so, would allow me to receive the transfer emails to my personal email address which acts as ownership verification. At this time, I asked Domain Monkeys, LLC to remove the WHOIS privacy protection. Their response was that I had to agree to the terms of their policy or they would not remove the WHOIS privacy. The agreement terms stated that if I removed the privacy, then my domain would be locked for an additional 30 days. I questioned them on this policy and they did not respond. After several days, I reluctantly replied back that I agree to their policy. They now responded back very quickly and removed the WHOIS privacy. This was clearly a strong-arm tactic to get me to agree to their policy.

  Now that the WHOIS privacy is removed, I need the domain transfer status to be "unlocked". The current status is "ClientTransferProhibited" and "ClientUpdateProhibited". They set these statuses intentionally to stop me from transferring my domain. My domain is essentially being held hostage at this point.

  I contacted them again asking to have the domain transfer unlock removed and their first response is, "Our records indicate that WHOIS Protection was recently removed from this domain. As per our services agreement, there is a 30 day transfer hold on names removed from WHOIS Protection." Great.

  I contact them again asking for a policy exception and for the individual that can approve this exception. This time they respond with a PDF document that I need to print, fill out, sign, scan, and then copy and paste a government issued photo ID onto it. I can't believe that a so-called technology company is using a paper process from 1995. I'm surprised they didn't aske me to fax the form to them. Again, I comply with their instructions and send back the signed form with a photo ID.

  Two days go by and no response, so I contact them again. Their response is that the name on the ID does not match the registration information on the account. Now, I know that this company is shady because the name and address on the ID EXACTLY match the account information. I respond back to them that the information matches and that if the domain is not unlocked in 48 hours, I will file a complaint with ICANN (icann.org).

  The following day they respond that they tried to call me, but they did not have a contact number. I update my phone number in their system and then ask them to call me.

  The next day still no response. I ask to be contacted again. Later that day I update the ticket itself with my contact information and ask for a phone call. No response.

  I have now filed complaints with ICANN and the BBB in their region (Denver, CO). It seems that there was already a BBB complaint filed against them for the same reason. It does not appear that they have responded to that complaint.

  The domain name is still locked and I cannot transfer it to my other registrar. Not having this domain name transferred is hurting my ability to conduct business and is costing me valuable time and money. This company and owner does not seem to care or have respect for other people. Every website owned by this person looks like it hasn't been updated in at least 15 years. I have added additional comments below as I feel that they are important for others.

Some things to note:

• The Domain Monkeys, LLC website as of this writing is down (www.domainmonkeys.com)
• This company does business under many names, so it is difficult to find accurate information on them.
  • Aim High!, Inc. dba Get Yer Name! dba Lunar Domains, Domain Monkeys, LLC., 1 Domain Source, Ltd., Consolidated Domain Management, all owned by one Vincent Hamm
• The only means of communicating with this registrar is through a support ticket on their domain management dashboard
• The registrar often takes 2 - 3 days to respond to an inquiry and they will not respond with an answer if you question them in any way
• I recently went through this same process with another more well-known registrar and the process was pleasant and seamless. I was able to speak to someone over the phone and they were very helpful.
• Websites of other companies owned by this individual are: aimhigh.com, aimhigh.net, domainmonkeys.com, internetnameregistry.com