Domain Name Scams

As in the "off-line" world there are less scrupulous individuals and businesses who will use any tactic to gain advantage. Whilst consumers may have some protection from Trading Standards organisations and some companies have been taken to court for their actions a lot of the time unfortunately Caveat Emptor applies (let the buyer beware), we at Net Solutions do not practice or condone these actions and therefore present this information to inform our customers.

Bogus Renewal Notices

Some companies send out official looking domain name "renewal invoices". These "invoices" look so real that many unsuspecting registrants are conned into thinking they are about to lose their domain name if they don't pay. Make no mistake, these cleverly worded documents are designed to trick you. It's usually only when you read the small print you realise they are not valid invoices at all but high-pressure sales pitches. Buried in the small print you will find words like: "This notice is not a bill, rather an easy means of payment should you decide to register or renew your domain(s) with us".

If you receive such a notice not from Net Solutions for names registered through us we reccommend you discard these notices - we receive them ourselves! If you do pay these companies you may be authorising them to transfer your domain name to another Registrar. This has been know to cause loss of your email and web hosting services. If you are in doubt about any communication received please contact us for guidance before taking any action.

Bogus Telephone Sales

If you are telephoned with the offer of a domain name you should check the details very carefully before agreeing to anything.

There are various companies using high pressure telesales techniques who will cold-call you with comments like, 'someone is trying to register your domain name and you should get in first', or 'your domain name is due for renewal and you might lose it if you don't renew it right now' or 'we thought we should warn you that someone is trying to register your name'. Treat these calls as suspect if they come from a company you don't know.

Companies who register your name in their name

Some companies will take your instructions and then register the name you want in their own name. Some do this out of ignorance, but some may do it so they can hold you to ransom in the future. Whilst there is nothing illegal in someone registering a domain name to themselves and then leasing it to someone else, if you have specifically requested you are named as the Registrant, make sure you are. Check the WHOIS details immediately after you register any domain name with anybody.