GoDaddy holding name hostage

[tech4]

I have some names, after the owner change email address Godaddy would hold name hostage until 60 days later. I waited and got it. After 60 days!!!


I just bought a dot com from a member on NP. The owner updated it on Jan 13, 2011 but godaddy will not let the domain go. Instead it immediately rejected the transfer saying that it could be transfer away July 13. That's 6 months later instead of 60 days from the date of Jan 13.

Anyway, I already transfer whatever domain I have away from GD as soon as possible, these people are so unreasonable. They rejected the transfer within 10 minutes of initiating transfer.

I hate it when they hold names hostage, speaking to customer service is like speaking ot a machine. They keep saying there's GD policy, they can't help.

Right now, I am transferring the name to my stupid Godaddy account. Will transfer out after 60 days. Its so dam stupid, I hope someone would sue them in a class action lawsuit and ban them from doing business as a registrar. They seen to abuse their power and holding names hostage.

Is there a reason why? I like to see this company go away soon. Just because they are the biggest registrar ---they are like the mafia, holding names as they want... ICAN"t the Ican't do organization need to go out of business too.

---
So angry..........................

 

[scithe]

I'm told if you change anything in the whois info, they tack on another 60 days. I would e-mail them and ask why you cannot transfer the domain.

 

[tech4]

I just transferred it to my godaddy account. Will have to wait 60 days after today.

Their 60 days policy is horrible... Holding names against the will of their owners. Which is a reason why I am transferring whatever I buy out of GD.

 

[ExotButterfly]

I never believed what people were saying about GD. But I certainly believe now after they told me they did not know what EPP code was. It's just an authorization code to transfer a domain to another registrar. They did get away last time, but I am going to be more aggressive now. I will not let them do what they want.

 

[Name Trader]

I'm told if you change anything in the whois info, they tack on another 60 days. I would e-mail them and ask why you cannot transfer the domain.

Well you were told wrong. It's only if the Company Name, First Name, or Last Name are changed.

 

[Domagon]

GoDaddy figures most people won't challenge the holds and ICANN seemingly does nothing.

With that said, the squeaky wheel gets the grease ... open a trouble ticket, call, etc - and continue to follow-up, reminding them each time of ICANN registrar transfer policy, and the domain(s) will likely be released.

If still no good, file a complaint with ICANN at http://reports.internic.net/cgi/registrars/problem-report.cgi

And if still unsuccessful, and one has the time, file complaints with the state Attorneys General of both your state and that of Arizona, where GoDaddy is based ...

http://www.azag.gov/AllComplaints.html

And perhaps, contact the Federal Trade Commission too, regarding unfair trade practices. Ok, admittedly, at that point, it may be easier to wait out the 60 days.

https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/
(they usually won't investigate individual complaints, but will log them - if numerous people similarly complain, with sufficient detail, the FTC may put pressure on the business, which occasionally is enough to effect change)

As for a class action lawsuit against GoDaddy regarding them knowingly disregarding ICANN registrar transfer policy - if such a case was ever filed, the potential financial award sought could be huge ... seemingly well worthwhile for an attorney to pursue. As to why none has so far - much of the reason, likely, is that GoDaddy, has in the past, when pressed, relented and released the holds.

Hope this helps.

Ron

 

[scithe]

Before you transfer a domain to GoDaddy or register one, they should make you check a box stating you're aware you can't transfer the domain for 60 days. Maybe even a second box agreeing to the Universal terms of service or whatever.

That would probably help so at least you know what you're getting into going in there.

 

[Name Trader]

Before you transfer a domain to GoDaddy or register one, they should make you check a box stating you're aware you can't transfer the domain for 60 days. Maybe even a second box agreeing to the Universal terms of service or whatever.

That would probably help so at least you know what you're getting into going in there.

They do.

---------- Post added at 05:41 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:40 AM ----------

GoDaddy figures most people won't challenge the holds and ICANN seemingly does nothing.

With that said, the squeaky wheel gets the grease ... open a trouble ticket, call, etc - and continue to follow-up, reminding them each time of ICANN registrar transfer policy, and the domain(s) will likely be released.

If still no good, file a complaint with ICANN at http://reports.internic.net/cgi/registrars/problem-report.cgi

And if still unsuccessful, and one has the time, file complaints with the state Attorneys General of both your state and that of Arizona, where GoDaddy is based ...

http://www.azag.gov/AllComplaints.html

And perhaps, contact the Federal Trade Commission too, regarding unfair trade practices. Ok, admittedly, at that point, it may be easier to wait out the 60 days.

https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/
(they usually won't investigate individual complaints, but will log them - if numerous people similarly complain, with sufficient detail, the FTC may put pressure on the business, which occasionally is enough to effect change)

As for a class action lawsuit against GoDaddy regarding them knowingly disregarding ICANN registrar transfer policy - if such a case was ever filed, the potential financial award sought could be huge ... seemingly well worthwhile for an attorney to pursue. As to why none has so far - much of the reason, likely, is that GoDaddy, has in the past, when pressed, relented and released the holds.

Hope this helps.

Ron

I'll let you go first Ron

 

[Dave_Z]

Before you transfer a domain to GoDaddy or register one, they should make you check a box stating you're aware you can't transfer the domain for 60 days. Maybe even a second box agreeing to the Universal terms of service or whatever.

That would probably help so at least you know what you're getting into going in there.

I gather they've been doing that ever since. Not that people tend to read the fine print before checking that box, anyway.

 

[tech4]

About the fine print: There is no rational choice.

Let's say the domain has a 60 day lock at GD.
There's only 2 things to do, transfer away or push.

1) Try to transfer away and get rejected. You can't, GD won't let you.
2) Accept a push to godaddy shady fine print.
Should member accept, ...they have been impose another 60 days by GD shady practice.
Do not accept, domain won't be yours.

Say you pay $50 for a domain name. You can't transfer out. So you have to accept whatever their terms are. Are you willing to forfeit your money? Most people will accept.

Which is why I think GD should be sue.

 

[alien51]

Is there really a domain security benefit in all this 60 day lock thing?

Again, why 60? Why not just 30 or 15? This isn't part of ICANN policy anyway.

 

[scithe]

Yeah, I know they did that. It was posted with a bit of tongue-in-cheek.

If I bought a domain name and I didn't want it with GoDaddy (I can't imagine why not since they are the best), I'd have the seller transfer it elsewhere for me and pay him to do so.

 

[Name Trader]

Is there really a domain security benefit in all this 60 day lock thing?

Again, why 60? Why not just 30 or 15? This isn't part of ICANN policy anyway.

If they really wanted to use this as a security measure, they'd include the eMail address as something you cannot change. Why? Because if a thief gets access to your account, he only needs to change the email address, and he can transfer out to another registrar.

 

[GoQuickly]

From what I understand, the 60 day rule is there for security measures to prevent who.is theft. It sits in the account with Godaddy for 60 days to provide time for ICANN disputes in the case of domain theft.

Prevents users from transferring domains in for $1.99 and extending their registration for a year on days there are deals for bundled hosting for $5 total and just switching the primary on hosting to a different domain and transferring the domain back to original company, sticking the registrar the bill for re-registration.

I'm sure there are reasons behind it that we see as a pain in the butt, in reality the big picture it's probably justifiable.

 

[Kate]

In 'normal' circumstances a transfer out of godaddy can be completed in 40 minutes. So it's more a customer retention policy than a security measure.

 

[Name Trader]

In 'normal' circumstances a transfer out of godaddy can be completed in 40 minutes. So it's more a customer retention policy than a security measure.

100% agree with this. It's a pity it seems to be doing the opposite though

 

[alien51]

Elephant safaris,
Celebrity hot chicks endorsers,
NASCAR team sponsorships,
Superbowl Ads....

Somehow you have to think how the balance sheets are all adding up to pay for these extravagance. Not to mention, shouldering the losses from insane coupon codes.

The only solution i can think of, is that someone down the bottom of this food chain should be SCREWED with their money using sleazy fine print strategies and make them pay the budget deficits.

And i'm still being treated for coupon addiction as of this writing. I can't help it.

 

[cache]

I think 60 days may not prevent all theft, but it certainly helps to lower the probability.

 

[Name Trader]

I think 60 days may not prevent all theft, but it certainly helps to lower the probability.

It only prevents unintelligent theft. Any thief can change the email address and transfer the domain out, without any 60 day hold.

 

[Meongtae]

wow...i have had a few problems like this come up over my years with GD. That said, a phone call talking to a real person solved any problem I had. Even overiding the 60 day hostage attempt.
I would call and then get whatever they say in an email. Remember to stay professional and cool. Honey beats vinegar.
And I agree the 60 day issue is for the birds.