URL of Scam: makersplace.pro.com

Type of Scam: NFT Auction Scam
Amount Lost: $71,132 USD

Victim Description:
The victim invested a substantial amount of $71,132 USD into the MakersPlacePro.com platform, which presented itself as an NFT auction site. However, after making several deposits and trying to withdraw funds, the victim discovered that they were unable to access their money. The platform refused to process withdrawals, making it clear that the victim had fallen victim to a scam involving fake NFT auctions and blocked withdrawals.

Scam Domain Details:

Domain Name: makersplace.pro.com
Registrar: GoDaddy.com, LLC
Registered On: February 21, 1994
Expires On: February 22, 2027
Updated On: April 9, 2023
Status: clientDeleteProhibited, clientRenewProhibited, clientTransferProhibited, clientUpdateProhibited
Name Servers: ns1.phlinux.com
ns2.phlinux.com
ns3.phlinux.com

Domain Status:
The domain makersplace.pro.com is registered with GoDaddy.com and has a long history, dating back to 1994. The clientDeleteProhibited and clientTransferProhibited statuses indicate that the domain is currently being protected from being transferred or deleted. These are typical measures taken by scammers to prevent victims or authorities from gaining control over the website or its domain name.

Name Servers:
The name servers associated with the domain are hosted on a third-party server phlinux.com, which adds another layer of anonymity and evasion for the operators of the scam site.

Open-Source Intelligence Analysis: Key Details of MakersPlacePro.com Scam
Scam Overview:
The victim was lured into investing in what appeared to be a legitimate NFT auction platform. However, after depositing $71,132 USD into MakersPlacePro.com, the victim found themselves unable to withdraw their funds. This is a common tactic in NFT and cryptocurrency scams, where fake platforms promise high-value assets but block withdrawals once the victim has deposited significant amounts.

Domain Details:
The domain makersplace.pro.com has been registered for decades, which is unusual for many scams. Scammers often use older domains to gain trust from potential victims, making the site appear more legitimate. Despite the long history of the domain, it is currently locked with several prohibited status codes such as clientDeleteProhibited, clientRenewProhibited, and clientUpdateProhibited, which protect the site from being taken down or modified.

The name servers associated with the domain are unusual in that they are hosted on a server under phlinux.com, a non-standard service that can be used to obscure the identity and location of the scam operators.

Recommendations:
Report the Scam: The victim should immediately report this scam to local authorities, cryptocurrency fraud groups, and platforms like CryptoScamDB to warn other potential investors. Reporting to the IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center) and FBI may also be helpful.
Trace Cryptocurrency Transactions: The victim should try to track the movement of their funds using blockchain explorers for the cryptocurrency addresses involved (e.g., 0x0e40d72702456c29668a5adab97a1ebdb76ed4c2).
Cease Communication with the Scam Platform: The victim should avoid any further interaction with MakersPlacePro.com or its representatives. Any communication will likely be used to manipulate or further defraud the victim.
Consult Legal Professionals: Given the high amount of money lost, it is advisable for the victim to consult a legal expert specializing in cryptocurrency fraud to assess whether there are any legal avenues for recovering the funds.
Stay Cautious of Similar Platforms: The victim should be cautious when considering similar NFT auction or investment platforms in the future. Researching the legitimacy of a platform, checking for reviews, and verifying its registration status can help avoid falling victim to scams.

Conclusion:
The victim lost $71,132 USD after being scammed by the MakersPlacePro.com NFT auction site. Despite its seemingly legitimate appearance, the platform blocked the victim’s ability to withdraw funds. The domain has a long history but is currently protected with various status codes, indicating an attempt to avoid detection or intervention. The victim should report the incident to authorities, trace the funds, and consult legal professionals for further assistance.