Having your own domain name is really cool, especially if you will be using it for personal use. Getting a domain name that has your name in it and flashing it around like a new car can make you feel superb. However, getting a domain name for business purposes is important too. In fact, getting one is essential if you really want your business to survive.
Getting a domain name is easy but for a price. Nevertheless, there are scams related to it. In order for you not to be scammed in the process, it is important that you know the legitimate process of how to get a domain name. It also helps if you know the red flags of domain name scams. Here are the essentials that you need to know about the trade.
How To Get A Domain Name the Right Way
If you want to be sure that you won’t encounter any scams in the process of registering a domain name, you should get a trusted and credible Internet Service Provider (ISP). You have to pay for two fees; one for the ISP Company, another for the Internet Network Information Center (InterNIC). The InterNIC is the group that has the authority to assign domain names. The whole process will only cost you about $115-$175, anything more than this is already a scam. The price of the domain name itself should be no more than $9.00 to around $15.00. The rest of the fee quoted above is for hosting. The domain name itself is not expensive at all!
The whole process is pretty simple. First, you should get a domain name that you want to register. Find out if it is available. Get an ISP that would host your domain-to-be. Next, fill in the right form that you need to request the registration of your domain name. This can be done by the ISP or you. Your ISP will be the one to submit the form to the InterNIC.
Pricing Scams
If you have been receiving mails that offer you domain name registration for a whopping $1000, then you must really be surprised with the said amount above. You should be. Those companies asking for that amount have no other intention but to rip you off. Sad to say, there are people who bite into their lure simply because they do not know the real thing.
These rip off scams will likely tell you that their fee is that high because other than the registration itself, they are giving to you other benefits. Some would say they would give you additional services. However, most of them will be gone the moment you finish paying them.
Warning Scams
Some domain name scams come in the form of warnings. If you already own a couple of domains, then you are most likely the target of this kind of scam. People will be sending you emails regarding their concern about your domain name.
For instance, if you own myname.com, they would inform you that there is someone who came to them that wants to register myname.net. Thus, they give you warnings of losing your alternative domain name.
Their emails would state that they cannot wait long for your reply, since they are a business on the run too. They will even say how much they care for you and how concerned they are that the transaction could hurt your business, which is why they are offering you the domain name first.
If you have been getting emails like these, be wary. These are simply scams that want money from you.
Domain Transfer Scams
Another type of scam can involve registries, which you have no connection with whatsoever, giving you warnings. In their emails, they tell you that the expiration of your domain is quite near and its important you renew it as soon as possible. Although the letter looks like a renewal notice, the form you will be completing is actually a domain transfer form. Accordingly, the steps you have to take are for domain transfer procedures.
Do Not Entertain Anyone Else
With those scamming techniques, you should guard your domain name as if it is a high priced real estate. It would be best that you do not entertain offers like these. Only respond to emails that come from your registrar. In this way, you can be sure that they will not do anything weird regarding your domain name.
|
