[RE-wrenches] Hijacked Website

[Exeltech]

Dan (Brown),

Some suggestions.


#1:
In the unlikely chance the website might suddenly go away, get screen shots of everything ASAP.  Download and keep copies of each page of the website.  This can be done using the "Save Page As" option (or equivalent) under "File".  Save all downloaded pages in a separate directory, and make copies onto a thumb drive.  Do not edit or alter the page content in any manner.

#2:
The scammers allege they're a "Corporation".  Check with your state's Corporation Commission (or equivalent).  Claiming "corporate" status when they aren't incorporated is generally an actionable offense by the State.   At a minimum, they can be forced to cease using the "Corporation" aspect.  Action of this nature will be a matter of public record.  Subsequently, you could then submit an FOI application to the State to find out whom the State served.

#3:
Since you ARE incorporated, this is an infringement on your registered company name with the State of Vermont.  This too is actionable by the State, but may require attorney participation on your part.

#4:
Dan FInk's comment pertaining to [in essence] the perpetrators' likely action to attempt to force, cajole, or extort you into buying the domain is very plausible.


Sad as it is .. you're going to have to invest some time and money to get a handle on this.



Good Luck.


Dan (Lepinski)



Ever get the impression there are too many "Dans" involved in this thread?