Fake Whois information

[glowlite]

False, fake whois information is simply not a good idea.
You can lose a domain by using fake info, legally. A simple complaint sent to any Registrar via email can be a real situation if you've used false information.

In many cases people use fake whois info to protect their identity instead of using a 3rd party privacy service. It saves them a few bucks. That's the honest webmasters who simply don't want their name and home address broadcast around the world by the publicly accessible registry databases.

The scammers, spammers and other con artist types use fake whois info for obvious reasons.

3rd party privacy seems to be frowned on by many in the adult realm. So if you want a layer of protection between you and the cyberworld you can establish a business address. Using a mail drop biz address is the least costly way to meet requirements while keeping stalkers and pervs from knocking on your front door.

Registrars have no choice in the matter. They are obligated to investigate and take action if necessary. If you complain to a Registrar about phoney whois info be prepared to offer some kind of proof. ie:Send an empty envelope to the address shown in whois. If the postal dept returns the envelope as "undeliverable" you have the proof.

Fake whois info is an open invitation to:
1) Competitors who want to cripple your business or take you offline.
2) Someone who wants to own your domain name and it's traffic.
3) Or maybe someone you pissed off seeking vindication.

The GoDaddy Group (GoDaddy,WildWestDomains,BlueRazor) recently took this stance.
For how long? I dunno ...

On November 2, 2007, Domain Name Wire reported that it appears that GoDaddy no longer cancels domains for invalid whois. The editor on Domain Name Wire received a message from a reader who was trying to acquire a domain with obviously false whois information.

The message from GoDaddy said "The domain has been suspended due to invalid Whois. The domain will remain in suspension through expiration, including the registry’s redemption period, unless the owner updates the contact information before that time."

Maybe you should spend a few minutes checking your expiration dates, automatic renewal settings, and your Registrant (that's you, the owner) information. After all, think of all the hard work and long hours you've put into your business, big or small, newbie or lifer. And all the blood, sweat, and tears you've personally invested, not to mention your $$$$ financial investment.

I hope this is a time wasting read for everyone at the 'Pond.
I hope none of this applies to anyone reading my post, lurkers included.
But I'll bet 'dollars to donuts' it does!

Take 15 minutes to check your domain names.
It might be the most profitable 15 minutes of your adult career.

[Rofl]

Originally Posted by glowlite

3rd party privacy seems to be frowned on by many in the adult realm. So if you want a layer of protection between you and the cyberworld you can establish a business address. Using a mail drop biz address is the least costly way to meet requirements while keeping stalkers and pervs from knocking on your front door.

In the UK the Post Office will reveal the name and address of any PO Box holder if you write to them. I think there might be a small fee too.

[glowlite]

Originally Posted by Rofl

In the UK the Post Office will reveal the name and address of any PO Box holder if you write to them. I think there might be a small fee too.

Are there any 3rd party mail drop places? There's several in the US. They only need to reveal actual physical addresses of box holders to law enforcement.

[Head Boy]

You guys should take not of this.

Out of date or fake emal addys can cause you to miss a renewal notice, and that can lead to you forgetting to renew the name.

Fake info (or proxy info) can be bad for business, especially hosting or domain reg services. People won't trust you if you need to hide from them.

[glowlite]

Originally Posted by Head Boy

You guys should take not of this ...

I hope you meant note.

[Head Boy]

Originally Posted by glowlite

Are there any 3rd party mail drop places? There's several in the US. They only need to reveal actual physical addresses of box holders to law enforcement.

There are loads of them, and some offer international mail forwarding services. I've got a feeling that they need to register their services though.

[Toker]

Originally Posted by Rofl

In the UK the Post Office will reveal the name and address of any PO Box holder if you write to them. I think there might be a small fee too.

They will in the US too, You can walk into the PO and they'll give
it to you for a few bucks.