Beware domain registration scams

You've been ducking spam at your office and phishing attacks, too. Now here comes a new scheme that can tie your computer systems up in knots: Domain registration fraud.

Here are some ways it can happen:

• The phony renewal: Cyberthieves data-mine databases to find domains soon up for renewal. They then send an official-looking invoice to the domain's billing contact. The hope is that the recipient won't notice that the invoice isn't from their actual domain registrar and will blindly pay it.
• The phony trademark protection offer: Fraudsters try to get you to register your brand in a different country. It happens frequently with fake Chinese offers. Be aware that you may be receiving an unsolicited email message offering to help you get registered.

For every trick that you are aware of, there are plenty more coming into your inbox.

Isn't it time to have a tight policy at your office to deal with these kinds of frauds? It may require employees never to respond to an unsolicited email or check with their IT manager before agreeing to any sort of offer--no matter how interesting it may sound or how much money it claims to save.

For more on new kinds of fraud:
- see this PCworld.com article

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