Domain Name Registration

Overview

Any business website, blog or online store needs a memorable, easy-to-find web address that will help internet users find it quickly and conveniently.
A great domain is a powerful asset and choosing the right one may have a significant impact on a given site’s brand identity, public perception, search engine ranking, and eventual success.

Domain name registrars are the organizations that enable individuals and businesses to search, purchase, renew, transfer and manage domain names on their systems.
Each provider must be accredited by ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), a nonprofit organization that manages the Domain Name System.

The creation of any professional online presence starts with the selection of the desired top-level-domain for the URL, in common extensions such as .com, .net, .org, .co, .io, or many others, that follow the custom domain name.

In today’s competitive market, the leading domain companies have developed into large one-stop-shop hubs that offer a host of web-related services that include:

• Domain Names
• Web Hosting
• Website Builders
• Website Security
• Online Marketing & SEO
• Email Solutions
• Web Design
• E-commerce

Consumer Tips: How to Avoid Domain Registration Scams Online

Just like any other sector that involves consumers, commercial websites and money that switches hands, the domain market also has its fair share of scammers, fraudsters and cybercriminals that operate online and look for potential victims.
Scammers use many illegal, unethical or dishonest ways to take advantage of users who want to register, renew or transfer an internet address.

Some fraudulent companies use a technique called domain slamming, in which they attempt to fool unsuspecting domain owners into switching from their existing provider to the scamming one, under the pretense that the target victim is simply renewing their domain registration with their old service provider.

The scammers send fake domain expiry notifications or phony invoice-like notices by email, which may carry a formal and authentic appearance, and pressure the recipients to take immediate action and pay them – or else, they are in danger of losing their domain name.

Other low-end domain name companies may provide poor service or use unethical business practices such as charging customers for services they have never requested, demanding outrageously high renewal fees, using aggressive bait and switch techniques, having a tedious cancellation or transfer process, or running very unresponsive customer support.

Taking these steps will help you find more credible and reliable services and register your domains safely:

Use Domain Privacy Services

Using domain privacy features helps to hide your domain registration information, become more anonymous and “unlist” your actual contact details, which can provide better protection against spam, scam and identity theft attempts.

Investigate the Domain Registrar’s BBB Record

Check the company’s record on the Better Business Bureau’s website.
What you’ll find there, will help you evaluate whether it’s a legitimate business that deserves your money and trust or if you must look elsewhere.

Look for current BBB rating, customer reviews, complaints, warnings and alerts on their business profile.
Also, learn how long it has been in business – a potential indicator of experience and reputation.

If the website is not even listed with the BBB, this is a very bad sign.
On the other hand, if the domain registration service is certified as a BBB Accredited Business, it’s an important positive signal.

Pay Close Attention to Red Flags

Learn how to protect yourself better when ordering goods and services on the internet, to avoid scammers and keep safe in general.
Knowing how to check if a website is legitimate or not is the first line of defense.