Beware of domain-name hijackers

Matthew Wise, Virginia Beach, VA — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 20:03:19 GMT

I see this all the time. I work as a freelance web designer and it's a shame people hold companies hostage like this. It's extortion. I don't touch web hosting or domain name services for this reason - the client always remains in control. It's too bad morals and ethics have gone out the window in this Country.

Beware of domain-name hijackers

Garfield Hamilton, Palm Beah, FL — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 22:26:04 GMT

I'm a web application developer and most of my clients do not know the ins and outs of registering domain names and may end up paying for unneeded features provided by the registrars, paying $35+ per year for a name that can be had for $8.00. It's sad that people can't be trusted. I would still prefer the client register the name, even if they pay more. At least they own it and can transfer it to a cheaper registrar later. The website can be hosted or rebuilt anywhere. The person who controls the domain controls your online brand and many times your corporate email address as well. Clients should just google 'domain basics' and build their knowledge before handing off such an important task to anyone.

Beware of domain-name hijackers

Melvin — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 00:06:39 GMT

I saw this referenced at www.subliminalmessages.com and agree that those who trust their web designer with the actual domain name are putting their cyber head in a guillitine. If for no other reason, how about the web designer who recently sold his employer's domain out from under them (sofa.com) for a quick $200K and then disappeared?

Beware of domain-name hijackers

Jill Chongva, Winnipeg, Manitoba — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 15:02:54 GMT

Thank you for educating entrepreneurs. As a web designer, I ask clients to register their own domain and arrange their own hosting. Yes, I give advice and recommendations, but in the end they have to do this themselves - after all it is THEIR business, and I am here as a support!

Beware of domain-name hijackers

Brian, Scotland — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 10:27:17 GMT

Designers have no need for access to the domain. They could simply pass on instruction to the owner, which the owner can then pass on to registrar support if they aren't sure what to do. We see domain hijacking a lot. Sometimes it's hard to pin fault - is it the person who did the hijacking? or the person who left the gates wide open to allow it? After all, you wouldn't sit in a cafe with your wallet lying wide open!

Beware of domain-name hijackers

Michel Theriault, Quebec — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 13:03:36 GMT

Get a hold of the Misses Holmes and tell her she can file a UDRP (Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy) with ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) at icann.org.

This process will allow her to regain possesion of her domain name through arbitration. There are fees involved (around $1,300 US). She can alternatively have a lawyer send a Cease and Desist letter to the charlatan who is holding the domain hostage. She can also threaten to sue for lost business (the erroneous links that lead to nowhere).

There are plenty of ways to regain a domain if you have legitimate rights to it.

Beware of domain-name hijackers

Craig Davidenko, Savannah Georgia — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 18:57:01 GMT

http://www.murphandcassidypr.com did this to my friends business site. They tried to sell him a site he did not like and when he went have another company design the site they held it hostage..... well the internet spreads thing pretty fast so I hope others read this and don't fall for their scam.