There are different ways by which domain hijacking takes place.
It could be an unauthorized access or a means of exploiting a domain name via the system of the registrar.
These are done through social engineering. There have been several cases of domain theft where domain names have which was available when search but few hours they are told that it does not exist;
But do registrars snatch available domain names, especially when searched on their platform?
This article would address it and other possible issues you may have while trying to register a new domain name.
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How Can I See Who Registered a Domain?
If you would like to know who registered a domain name that you are interested in, you will find it in the Whois detail of the domain.
The person who purchased a domain name is its owner once he/she has registered it with an accredited domain registrar.
Ownership must be renewed after registering a domain, either yearly or for few years.
You will find all the contact information of the owner of a domain name on the Whois page from the domain registrar.
Simply cost the web address of the domain name registrar. Then check the contact details.
You can email or call the owner of this domain name if you are interested in purchasing it.
Do Domain Registrars Register Available Domains that get Searched on their Site?
Some people have made complaints about this in the past.
They visit a domain name registrar and typed in a domain name which they want to register.
While they find out that it is available, they may come back few hours later to discover that the same domain name has been purchased.
Could it be that the search tool of the domain registrar is responsible for this?
domain company may monitor the searched and some algorithms on to select valuable domain names and them automatically buy them. Although we can’t prove this.
To avoid losing the domain name once seen it is available for purchase, just buy it straight off. Don’t wait too long.
Do Domain Registrars Auction In-Demand Domain Names?
Yes, there are different types of domain names. Some are premium and that’s what the domain registrars often display for auction-in-demand.
You can also decide to sell a domain name you recently purchased from a domain registrar. To sell your domain name, follow the steps below.
- First examine and determine the value of the domain name.
- Next, how do you want to sell it? And for how much.
- Include your valid contact details for the public to see on the Whois directory page which the domain registrar provides.
- Now it’s time to prepare the domain name for listing via the domain registrar you purchased it.
- For easy payment after sales, use an Escrow service.
- When the sales has been closed, transfer the domain name to the new owner.
That’s it.
What Exactly is Domain Name Front Running (DNFR)?
The DNFR (Domain Name Front Running) is when a domain name registrar registers domain names
from the insider information gethered in order to resell these names or earn ads revenue from them, using the landing page of the domain.
When registration of these domain names have been done, other potential registrars are locked out from selling them to customers.
A domain name can be locked within payment for few days. That’s why some registrars use the domain tasting trial period to optimize the names. The trial period often lasts for 5 days.
Is DNFR Illegal?
The DNFR is legal. However, many business owners frown at this.
Those who need a perfect domain name won’t like it idea.
In order to prevent the domain name front running, follow these steps:
Open the terminal application that is in either applications or utilities.
Now input ‘whois query.ext’ but don’t include the quotes. Query is your domain. Ext means extension.
Finally, review the result. An unregistered domain name with show ‘No Match For Query’.
Is it Possible for Someone to Watch my Domain Name Searches?
Although, you have full control over your domain name after you have registered it with a domain registrar.
You will have an account on their website to help you have access to your domain at will.
There is no clear evidence that you are being watch by someone while you carry a search on a specific domain.
But we can deny the fact that some registrar might have an algorithm to watch what you type.
It’s very possible for domain registrar to watch you but its impossible for the public to watch you.
In order to always protect your domain name, here are some tips:
Buy your domain name at a reputable domain registrar.
A strong password is needed. Make sure you protect it also.
You can lock your domain. This will prevent hackers from have easy access to your details.
How do I Search Domain Names Discretely?
If you want to discretely search for domain names to buy, just head to some of the best domain registrars.
Input the URL address of the name to be registered in the search box.
It’s either the name is available or already taken. If it is not available, you will be suggested with some alternatives.
Should your desired domain name be available, them follow the simple registration procedures and make your purchase.
What are the Safest Sites to Search Domain Availability?
There are hundreds of sites where you can buy domain name. But are they all safe?
Below are some of the safest sites to search for domain availability:
- Bluehost.
- Domain.com.
- Host Gator.
- Name Cheap.
- GoDaddy.
- Buy Domains.
- Dream Host.
- Network Solutions.
Always remember these in order to be safe while doing your domain search:
Always buy the domain as soon as you find that it’s available.
Query the registry directly when you are searching for new domains. This will help you bypass the registrar.
If a registrar has a history for pinching unregistered domain names of value when one attempt to register it, stay away from such registrar.
How do I Register my Domain Name?
Registrating a new domain name for your business or personal use is very simple.
First choose a domain name registrar to use. Namecheal, Domain.com, GoDaddy, or A2 are good. Just create an account with any of them.
Next, enter the the name of the domain you plan to purchase.
If it is available, you can proceed with your payment. If it is already taken, then you can consider some alternatives.
That’s it.
What Can I do if Someone Steals a Domain Name Before I Register it?
If you have a domain name in mind to buy but you later find out that someone has already registered it, then that’s not stealing.
However, you can buy the domain name from the current owner. Simply get in touch with the person on email. Ask him or her that you want to buy the domain name. You can then make an offer.
If you once own the domain but you didn’t renew it on time, another person can take possession of it.
Should this be the case, there are some online companies that can help you recover the domain name at a token.
Using their services may help you regain back the control of your domain.
Also, if you are a business owner and someone used your trademark to register a domain,
you can recover it back by making strong claim against the person. You can take court actions in cases like this should they refuse to give up the domain name.
Can Anyone Steal my Domain Name After I Register it?
Yes, this is possible. Cases about domain theft have been recorded. This is an exteam level of domain hijacking. It is considered illegal.
What is used for this theft is identity. A domain name registrar can be tricked into granting access for a hacker to change the registration details of a domain name.
That’s technically how a domain can be stolen from its original owner.
Even though you have full control over your domain name after you egistered it with a domain registrar.
You will have an account on their website to help you have access to your domain at anytime.
But do you know you can still get hacked? Yes, if care is not taken, hackers can steal your domain name.
If they can have access to the account you have with the registrar or via the email.
It is safe to always use a reputable domain registrar and make sure you lock your domain name.