Tips to Avoid Domain Name Scams

Scammers and rip-off artists are everywhere on the Internet. The domain name business is no exception. Here are some tips to help you avoid being scammed.

• Always verify who you're buying a name from. Make sure you can write to the administrative contact email address listed in a domain's WHOIS information and get a response. There are scam artists who attempt to represent names for sale that they do not own.
• Do a Google search on the email address listed in the WHOIS. It may also be helpful to search the popular domain name forums and sales venues to see if the domain in question is listed for sale elsewhere.
• Never purchase a domain appraisal as the request of an unknown "buyer". There are widely perpetrated scams where appraisal companies have posed as highly-interested domain buyers ready to purchase your name for great prices, but first require you order a paid appraisal from a company they recommend. Don't fall for it.
• Pay attention to domain transfer notifications! ICANN rules state that if a domain transfer is not declined within five days of being started it may proceed. An unauthorized third party can initiate a transfer for your domain and gain control of it if you ignore such notices.
• Use DOMAIN LOCK if your registrar offers it. If they don't, consider moving your domain to a registrar that does.
  ????: NamePros.com http://www.namepros.com/featured-articles/584245-tips-to-avoid-domain-name-scams.html
  
• When in doubt, use a trusted escrow service provider. Companies like Sedo.com and Escrow.com can act as a third party in domain transactions to handle payments and release only upon a successful domain transfer. Beware of sellers who insist on payment methods such as Western Union, as you may have little recourse if they do not deliver the domain as promised.
• Most importantly, keep your own WHOIS information up to date. An outdated email address can lead to a thief taking control of your domain. Invalid address or phone information can be reported to ICANN and/or your registrar who may cancel your domain registration. If you are concerned about privacy, consider getting a post office box and a voice mail service for your admin phone contact number.
  
  

As a NamePros member you can stay informed of the latest scams targeting domain buyers and sellers by staying involved with our community and reading the Warnings & Alert forum.

Warnings & Alerts - NamePros.Com

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