Domain Slamming: Don't Let It Happen to You

Earlier this week I got an email from my friend Mike. In it, he wrote:

"I just received a letter from the Domain Registry of Canada asking me to renew [my domain name] through them, and I'm confused... Do I renew through them or through [my current registrar] Register.com? Or does it really matter?"

As fast as I could, I fired off the following reply to him:

"Hi Mike,

I am SO glad you asked, and you will be too.

You were about to fall prey to an old and nasty trick called "domain slamming". Google the term "domain slamming" and you will find lots of articles about this slimy practice and the havoc it causes, as well as more information on the companies that have been accused of domain slamming.

Renew your domain name via your current registrar ONLY. You can always identify who your current registrar is by doing a WHOIS search."

Mike is a highly educated technology professional who has worked in the Internet industry for over a decade. If someone like him can come close to being duped by domain slammers, imagine what could happen to someone who is less tech-savvy (or less suspicious).

You may be reading this and saying to yourself, "yeah, yeah, this is old news, I'd never fall for something like this."

And that's great. Good for you.

But I'll bet some of your colleagues, clients, friends, or family could get suckered in.

Do them all a big favour and spread the word. Share this blog post and/or the following list of domain slamming resources with them, and help protect them from being the next victim of the domain slammers.

Domain Slamming Resources:

Domain Slamming

Be Aware: Domain Registry of Canada Scam

Domain Registration Scams

Beware of Fake Domain Name Renewal Notices

Domain Registry of America Scam

Comments

[Wendy Kennedy]

This is great advice – after all, your domain name is your brand online and you need to protect it. I work for Register.com and I can confirm we do not contact customers through a third party to renew their domains. Additionally, if our customers ever receive a suspicious communication or have any questions at all - they can call us anytime at 1-888-REGISTER (1-888-734-4783).

[Joseph@domainnames]

Personally I own several domain names and it still amazes me and at time confuses at the steady emails or letters I receive on my in box with offers to renew my domain name.

I think if one is not careful, some one might end up doing something that they might regret later due to lack of information.

Thank you for this great post, I'm sure it will help someone.

[Terra Andersen]

I have a friend who fell victim to this scam. I own tons of domain names, and have gotten these emails a few times.