Domain name fraud

The following provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about domain name fraud, especially the registration solicitation mailings.

What is fraudulent invoicing for domains?

We want to help you prevent your domain name registration from being moved to another company by being tricked into renewing with another provider. If you receive mail that appears to be an invoice, which is in fact a solicitation for business, you may be the target of a fraudulent or false invoicing scheme.

Which companies are making these solicitations?

There are a number of domain registration companies looking to grow their businesses by stealing business from other companies. While we welcome fair competition in the marketplace, some companies believe the best way to win business is to solicit existing domain name registrants from other companies. Wherever possible, these companies will target registrants and trick them into moving their domain registration business.

What should I do to avoid being tricked into transferring my domain away from Agathon?

The best way to combat this is to simply IGNORE all communications regarding your domain name that do NOT come from your current provider.

It is also important to note that Agathon can put a LOCK on your domains registered through us; this will prevent transfers from going through without your authorization. You may also lock your domains using our domain management interface. Please contact us for more information regarding domain locking

What can I do if I'm already a victim?

The first thing you should do is contact your payment authority. In all likelihood, these transactions will not be processed if the company is not able to secure payment for the transaction. If you have already sent money to one of these companies, we suggest contacting your bank or credit card company immediately regarding your options to have any payment you may have authorized either stopped or reversed.

Major Credit Card Company Contact Numbers

Visa Global Customer Assistance: 1-800-847-2911
Mastercard USA: 1-800-MC-ASSIST (1-800-622-7747)
Mastercard Canada: 1-800-307-7309
American Express: 1-800-528-4800
Diners Club USA: 800 2 DINERS (1-800-234-6377)
Diners Club Canada: 1 800 363 3333

How can I help make sure this doesn't happen to anyone else?

Report the incident to your current provider and the appropriate authorities! Proactively combating these sorts of unscrupulous business practices is the only way to ensure these companies are stopped. This will not only help you, but all registrants, to enjoy the freedom to choose your provider and to be free from solicitations designed to deceive or trick you. It will also help us aid you in the recovery of your domain.

You can send evidence of the solicitation to Agathon using our contact page.

How can I combat an incident of solicitation?

Incidents of solicitation should always be reported to your current provider. Additionally, the following resources can be used to help combat these practices in general:

In the United States

Report your incident at the United States Postal Inspection Service On-line Complaints web site. You can also complete this PDF Form and follow the included instructions for returning the form.

In Canada

Businesses and consumers who believe they have been misled should contact the Competition Bureau.

Review the latest information at the The RCMP website which can be found at: http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/scams-fraudes/index-eng.htm.