Domain Front running

May 26th, 2008

When you’re looking up if a name is available to register, be careful where you do it.

In the last few weeks a number of our customers have done searches with American registration companies to see if a name is available only to find it registered the next day. Luckily the names then became available in all cases after 5 days.

This is because of a loophole that allows registration companies to take a name and as long as they cancel within 5 days not have to pay for it. This leads to whats called “Front running” They buy the name temporarily in the hope that you will then buy it from them and not anyone else.

When searching to see if a name is available we recommend using either our www.register.ie site or www.whoislookup.ie

Icann the organisation who oversee domain names are currently reviewing this policy to try and close the loophole but until this happens its something to watch out for.

Entry Filed under: General