Roz designz: E-tip #23|Slammin n' Scammin

Slammin n' Scammin
Old scams in high tech disguise

In this e-tip terms could get a little technical so, let's keep this in laymen's terms as much as possible. See TECHNICAL TERMS listed below for more information. You've heard the saying; 'The devil is in the details' right? Then let's ask the question; Who is the author of confusion and deception? LOL (Laughing Out Loud) Need I say more?

WHAT IS DOMAIN SLAMMING?
It's basically when an Internet Company (Provider or Registrar) solicits a domain owner/registrant (that would be you) into switching to their company through deceptive practices. Some researchers on this subject claim these companies offer lower prices, I beg to differ.

An example of an Internet Company that uses deceptive practices is Domain Registry of America (logo in above image). And yes they actually do have higher prices than what Roz designz clients pay for their domains!

If you are a Roz designz client you most likely have received a letter from them in your mailbox that is mailed to you via the US Postal Service to your street address. These invoices have words of urgency or an appeal to the bargain hunter in all of us. They state that your domain is about to expire and you need to renew ASAP. Listed on the invoice are various prices for paying options such as 1 year, 3 years or 5 years, etc. It appears that you would save money in the long run if you opt to renew for the 3 or 5 year plan. Don't fall for this old scam in high tech disguise!

NOTE: DROA along with VeriSign have been in the courts for domain slamming.

HOW CAN I PROTECT MY DOMAIN AGAINST SLAMMING?
What is the biggest mistake made on our part that keeps these deceptive practices so prevalent? The majority of us do not remember whom we registered our domain with and are basically trusting that when it comes to technical issues these companies know their stuff, WRONG!

What could actually happen is your domain could go offline and no one will be able to access your website for hours or even days. In the worst case scenario you could lose ownership of your domain altogether and someone else could purchase it without you knowing it, until it's too late.

TIPS
So, here are a few tips to keep in mind the next time you receive one of these scamming invoices or letters.

Contact the person that handles your domain(s) or technical issues.
Just throw the invoice out! Remember this; if you are a Roz designz client you will never receive anything from your Internet Company in your street address mailbox. Only mailing-outs from Roz designz directly (no 3rd party mailings).
Always read the fine print - 'The devil is in the details.'
Check directly with your Registrar if you handle the domain yourself. Ask questions, that is what tech support is there for, our benefit.
Report the spamming letter or invoice to the authorities (USA only)
- US Postal Inspection Service
- Federal Trade Commission
- Local Attorney General or Consumer Protection Agency

As domain owners we do not have to fall prey to these old scams in high tech disguise. As you know, information is power but only if you use it. You now have a few basic tools to combat these slammers and send them off spinning into cyberspace.

TECHNICAL TERMS

Registrar offers domain name services. Reputable ones are registered with ICANN; if you have a problem with any registrar, you can file a complaint with ICANN.
Registrant is the person who owns a domain name. If you aren’t listed in the WHOIS database as the registrant for your domain name, legally you’re not the owner.
Gaining Registrar is the registrar to whom a domain name is being transferred.
Losing Registrar is the registrar from whom a domain name is being transferred.

Administrative Contact is the person who makes updates and changes to the record concerning your domain name as necessary.
Technical Contact handles the domain name servers where your domain is stored or hosted. This could be someone at your web hosting company.
Billing Contact is the person who is contacted when the domain name needs to be renewed, and handles other billing issues.

Copyright © Lora Rozkowski. Lora is a website designer, author and owner of two Christian businesses. For more information send an email to: Roz@rozdesignz.com Reprinted with permission. Take a look at Roz's portfolio.

Please let me know if I can answer any questions or help you further.
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