Mark Zuckerberg’s name was used in the WHOIS.
Not sure where to begin with this one.
A fake college, using a fake accreditation reference (Universal Accreditation Council), using fake staff and stock photography, operates from a domain that appears to be owned by Mark Zuckerberg.
Except, Mark Zuckerberg’s name is obviously used for the WHOIS fraudulently, to capitalize on the Facebook founder’s references to Boston University in the movie “The Social Network.”
But the UDRP against the domain BostonCollege.us was real, brought forth by the Trustees of Boston College (“Complainant”), represented by Anthony E. Rufo of Foley Hoag LLP, Massachusetts, USA.
According to the UDRP:
“Respondent is using the <bostoncollege.us> domain name to advertise educational services such as a “Master of Science” program, a “Ph.D. Program,” and an “Associate Degree from Boston College” for a price of $6,000 or $7,800, which on its face competes with Complainant’s educational services. Respondent’s website features photographs depicting scenes of Boston and college campuses, and Respondent is using the disputed domain name to deceive or defraud potential customers, in an attempt to collect payment or personal information from consumers in exchange for “educational services.”
In the end, one thing is certain: No response by the Respondent, as “Mark Zuckerberg” isn’t really affiliated at all with this fraudulent domain registration, something the sole panelist, James A. Carmody, probably didn’t really take into account.
Decision: BostonCollege.us should be transferred to the Complainant, the real Boston College.
For the full case, don’t go to Facebook, just click here.
Hey Mark …… i got an idea about a social network, here’s how it goes ……..