DNOA.org

Consumer Information

Special Alert: Beware of Domain Scams!

Tips to avoid rip-offs:

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 DNOA search on the email address listed in the WHOIS. You can lookup the email address of any domain owner at www.dnoa.org to see if they are a known scammer or have history of complaints against them. The Domain Name Owners Association keeps a file on all domain name sellers that have been reported about by our members.
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! New 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.

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 An outdated email address can lead to a thief taking control of your domain.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.

The Domain Name Owners Association is a trade association of domain name owners dedicated to building trust and professionalism within the domain name industry.

As a DNOA member you can stay informed of the latest scams targeting domain buyers and sellers through our monthly newsletter and members forum. If you would like more information on our organization, click here.