Domain Name Scams - Part Two

Back in 2010, the US Federal Trade Commission stopped a group had reportedly made $4,261,876US from email scams targeting domain name registrants (www.netregistry.com.au).

This is alarming as scammers in Australia continue to target small and big business using sneaky tactics.

Your domain name information is available to the public making it easy to create unsolicited correspondence directed at you. These are usually a request to renew an existing domain name (transferring it to a different company) or to purchase a new domain name that you do not need (a slight variation from your existing domain).

These types of scams, now being delivered via email and the post, are targeting those who fear loosing their website and website address. Of course any small business owner or big business employee is fearful of loosing their presence online. Imagine your website being temporarily (or even permanently) “switched off”.

How do you protect yourself?

1. Keep in touch with your web designer – make sure you are aware of where your website address ‘came from’ and how much you paid for it.
2. Keep a note of when your website address is due to be renewed. (.com addresses are yearly and .com.au addresses are every 2 years).
3. Read any invoices and emails carefully – if in doubt, talk to your web designer. Scammers have been reported offer you other web services you may already have or do not require like Hosting.
4. If you want to change who your domain name is with – compare the price and the company. A lot of these scammers charge a premium and sometimes do not even register your domain for you.

Another scam involves overseas companies send you an email claiming that one of their clients wish to use your business name as well as purchase a collection of domain names similar to yours. E.g. www.yourbusiness.com, www.yourbusiness.co, www.yourbusiness.asia and so on. They basically seek your permission offering you first dibs on the list of domain names. Not only can you purchase those same domains from most domain name companies, you may not need them in the first place AND, I always question wether or not their client actually exists.

A few minuets to check your records and/or to speak to your web designer my save you money AND even your website.

Webgirl

If you have a web question or would like further information, email karen@web-sta.com.au.