Be wary of a small, but dangerous number of web designers, ISP's (internet service providers), and web hosting companies that are routinely, and unethically, registering your new domain names in their own name instead of yours!

YOU MUST BE LISTED AS ADMINISTRATIVE CONTACT AND BILLING CONTACT! Although your hosting company will want to be listed as the technical contact, it is advisable that you list yourself, using their server information. Tell them in advance not to contact Internic, but if they do, just respond with a "NO" and you will continue to be listed with their servers. This way no one but you has to approve a change if you decide to move. It is best to confirm that this has been done correctly BEFORE you pay for any services.

The reason for this is simple. The entity listed in these positions is considered the owner, and has total control over any form of transfer. And as mentioned above, the Tech Contact has the power to block a transfer. This means you will not be able to switch to another web host or sell your domain name without the permission of the person who is currently listed.

This is a form of intellectual property theft that could leave you helpless at a critical time, such as if your web host goes out of business or attempts to unfairly raise prices.

If your domain name is not listed as above, have the registration corrected immediately. Failure to do so will eventually cause a nightmare of complications and expense. Don't let this happen to you.

If you want to report an incident or get further information on this important subject, go to Domain Name Sentinel.

Please don't get lazy on this small but critical detail. Do it NOW before you get caught in a situation where time is of the essence. You'll be glad you did, trust me on this one.

Special thanks to Debbie Levitt from Reign Your Domain.

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