Domain Scam and Domain Registry of America

Oct 9 2009

I have received several dire-sounding email messages from Domain Registry of America. These messages make it sound like I requested a domain transfer from my current provider (with whom I am very happy) to the Domain Registry of America

This email indicates that you need to do something (unlock your registration) so that the domain transfer and renewal can be completed. Doing this is basically the first step in transferring a domain to a new provider. From there (presumably), DRA can transfer your domain and then bill you.

Transferring a domain could save you money. Or it might cost you money. If you really wanted to transfer your domain, though, I strongly recommend that you do some research.

Here's the full text of the scam message I received (about five times now) from DRA:

Hello Matthew Butcher,

The transfer and renewal of your domain name, technosophos.com, is not yet complete because your domain name is currently in a "REGISTRAR-LOCK" status with your current registrar ENOM, INC.

In order to complete the transfer and renewal, the "REGISTRAR-LOCK" status needs to be removed and an EPP Key/Authorization code needs to be obtained. Please see below for instructions on achieving this.

Solution: - Log into your account with your current registrar, and change the status of your domain, technosophos.com, from "locked" to "active". - Then look for the EPP Key or Authorization Code.

  • Alternatively you may call your current registrar, ENOM, INC. (see phone number below) and ask them to remove the lock status of your domain name, give you your EPP Key and allow the transfer to Domain Registry of America.

  • Once done please notify us that you have done so, by calling our toll-free number below. We will then re-attempt the transfer and renewal of your domain name.

As a convenience, we have supplied your current registrars phone number below.

Domain: technosophos.com Current Registrar: ENOM, INC. Registrar Phone Number: XXX-XXX-XXXX

Transfer Department Domain Registry of America Toll free 1-866-434-0212 or for International Callers, dial +1(905)479-2533

10/9/2009 4:01:40 AM

It is safe to ignore this email, since a company cannot legitimately transfer your domain without your permission.

Good references on DRA's past behavior:

Description of an earlier form mail DRA used to send: http://www.searchengineoptimizationjournal.com/2008/03/18/domain-registry/

Wikipedia definition with links to previous lawsuits (notably with the US FTC): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domain_Registry_of_America

Yet another description of yet another DRA scam: http://www.ucan.org/blog/blog/scam_alert/domain_registry_of_america_scam