Web Marketing Experiences

Network Solutions Hijacks domain names

Hi,

Today I was shocked by the behaviour of networksolutions.com a major US based domain registrar: they hijack successfully domain names of their customers.

The story:
I have (had) several domains registered by Network Solutions. Some months ago I found out that in fact they are quite expensive and I started a procedure to transfer my domains to a more cheaper registrar. All goes well except for a .org domain. To transfer this domain I need an auth-code from NS. In April 04, I ask them for this code. No response. No information on their website on how to obtain this code. I can only contact them by using their online form. When I use this form I only get a confirmation that they thank me for contacting them and they will answer within the next 24 hours. What is strange is that their confirmation message does not contain a copy of my original message. So I have no prove that I asked them to send me the auth-code. But I receive no auth-code, only a standard message that my new registrar must initiate the transfer (what he does).

Some weeks pass, I try again to initiate the transfer, again no response from NS.

On Aug 20 my registration expires, I keep on trying, and yes finally on Aug 27 I receive my auth-code. But then some hours later, I receive a message that NS is not willing to transfer my domain because it has expired ...

So: first they refuse to let MY domain go, then they say it's to late and they refuse again.
And yes, this domain name happens to be a no.1 (or high ranked) at Google, Yahoo, Altavista ...

You all better be warned if you have a successful domain registered at Network Solutions, be sure to transfer it before they learn it's a top domain or else they hijack it.

Eric

posted by Web Marketing Lies @ 12:19 PM