NEWS AND INFO

If you have a domain name please take the time to read this email.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

ICANN and your WhoIs Data Policy Reminder

“At least annually, a [domain name] registrar must present to the registrant the current WhoIs information, and remind the registrant that provision of false WhoIs information can be grounds for cancellation of their domain name registration. Registrants must review their WhoIs data, and make any corrections.”

https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/registrars/consensus-policies/wdrp-en

What does this mean for me?

You should receive an automated email yearly from your registrar asking you to review your current information and confirm the information or update the information if it is no longer current. Please note that if I manage domain name(s) on your behalf you may not receive this email.

ICANN has required this since 2003, but the requirement is now being enforced.

If you do not respond to the email your website (and email) may be “shut down” by ICANN and if you use Google Tools you may get an email stating that Googlebot can’t access your site which may impact your search engine ranking.

It is very important that your domain name registration information is current. You can check your domain name WhoIs information at:
http://www.networksolutions.com/whois/index.jsp

There are both valid and fraudulent emails regarding domain names. I know that for many people these emails can be time consuming, confusing and even stressful. If you ever have any questions about an email or a mailed letter, please feel free to forward it to me for review; I am happy to assist. Below you will find a sample of a valid email for ICANN validation, tips for protecting your domain name and also an image of a common solicitation letter. If you read the letter closely you will see that it is a solicitation and not an actual invoice.

Sample Valid WHOIS/ICANN Email

Here are a few tips regarding domain names:

1. Your bill will come from the company that manages your domain. ie: Ask and Receive, GoDaddy, Domains.com, etc. If you do not recognize the company it is probably not legitimate.

2. Lock your domain to prevent unauthorized transfers. *If Ask and Receive, Inc. manages your domain, it is already locked.

3. Register your name for several years at a time. We offer discounts on multi-year renewals and as an additional bonus Google “likes” domains that are registered for 5 or more years.