BBB is warning businesses of a new scam targeting domain name holders. Scam artists, posing as a foreign domain name registration service in Asia, e-mail businesses stating they have received an application from someone who is attempting to register their company’s website domain and trademark names with the following suffixes, .cn; .hk; .asia; .com.cn; and .net.cn.
“On the surface, these e-mails appear to be from a concerned domain name registration company watching out for a fellow business,” said Matthew Fehling, BBB President/CEO. “However, after closer examination these e-mails are nothing more than an underhanded attempt at getting people to register for domain names they don’t need.”
The e-mails suggest the recipient register their name under the previously-mentioned suffixes to avoid profit loss, client confusion and make sure their company name and trademarks are protected. However, BBB advises businesses to delete these e-mails.
Below is one example of the unsolicited domain name registration e-mail:
To whom it may concern:
We are a domain name registration service company in Asia,
Last week we received a formal application submited by Justin Lee who wanted to use the keyword “[YOURCOMPANYNAME]" to register the Internet Brand and with suffix such as .cn /.com.cn /.net.cn/.hk/ .asia/ domain names.
After our initial examination, we found that these domain names to be applied for registration are same as your domain name and trademark. We aren’t sure whether you have any relation with him. Because these domain names would produce possible dispute, now we have hold down his registration, but if we do not get your company’s an reply in the next 5 working days, we will approve his company's application
In order to handle this issue better, Please contact us by Fax ,Telephone or Email as soon as possible.
Yours sincerely
Sunny
Checking Department
Tel: 86 513 8532 1087
Fax: 86 513 8532 2065
Email:Sunny@jsntwifi.com
Website: www.jsntwifi.com
Our File No.:2348509
BBB offers the following tips to avoid e-mail scams:
· Look for misspellings and grammatical errors as these are telltale signs the e-mail is not from a legitimate source.
· Beware of e-mails from unknown senders, especially those overseas.
· Be alert to “scare tactics.” A scam artist may use this ploy to elicit a quick response.
· Be cautious about opening any links or downloading any files – doing so might download a virus.
· Independently confirm the company’s name, address and telephone number.
· Refuse to make commitments with unknown companies. Verify the company’s reliability and complaint history with your BBB by visiting www.arizonabbb.org or calling 602-264-1721 or 928-772-3410 in Yavapai County.
For more trustworthy information, visit www.arizonabbb.org.
About BBB Serving Central, Northern & Western Arizona
BBB is an unbiased organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. Incorporated locally in 1938, today your BBB serves communities in Central, Northern and Western Arizona, supported by over 10,000 BBB Accredited Businesses. BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Reliability ReportsTM and charity BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust.