Empower Me Collective warns about scam emails offering Chinese domain names
Domain Pain β Part 3 of a 4 Part series in which we asked #nzentrepreneur readers to share their challenges and lessons in the important process of choosing and securing their business domain names.
Kiwi business owners are being warned to think carefully about securing multiple international domain names for their companies when establishing a web site, as emailed approaches offering this are likely scams.
The warning comes from Manuela Klevisser, founder of Empower Me Collective, a support and coaching initiative for aspiring entrepreneurs in New Zealand.
When founding Empower Me Collective, Manuela says she secured the business domain name she wanted, but around the first anniversary of the business she was approached via email by someone wanting her to buy all the domains in China with the same name.
At first glance, the email looked genuine, but as she wasnβt interested in the Chinese market or expanding her business there, she didnβt give it much attention. But the emails didnβt stop.
βWhen the emails persisted, I started investigating, as it smelled fishy. It did indeed turn out to be a known scam and some people have actually ended up purchasing all those domains with the intention of securing their business name,β says Klevisser.
The emails stated:
βWe are a Network Service Company which is the domain name registration center in Shanghai, China. We received an application from Hongpai Ltd on September 21, 2024. They want to apply for “empowermecollective” as their internet keyword and China (CN) domain names (empowermecollective.cn, empowermecollective.com.cn, empowermecollective.net.cn, empowermecollective.org.cn). But after checking it, we find this name conflicts with your company name or trademark. In order to deal with this matter better, it’s necessary to send email to you and confirm whether this company is your distributor or business partner in China?β
Despite Manuela not wanting the Chinese domain names, the emailer continued to put the pressure on.
They explained to Manuela that the βoriginal name owner has the priority right to register the Chinese domain name,β but the period in which she could claim them was running out. They said they had tried to suggest to the other business applying for the .cn domain names to choose a different name, but that they were persisting.
βIn our opinion, maybe they do similar business as your company then register them to promote their company,β the emailer said.
Another email went on to say:
βIf your company is the original owner of this name and wants to register these Chinese domain names (empowermecollective.cn, empowermecollective.com.cn, empowermecollective.net.cn, empowermecollective.org.cn) and internet keyword to prevent others from using them, please let us know. We can send you an application form with a price list to help your company register these Chinese domain names and internet keywords during our dispute period if you want to register them.β
Manuela said it didnβt make sense for Empower Me Collective to buy all the possible domains available in every nation of the world.
βIn online examples, I found the exact same format emails as the one that approached me. They will be sending these to thousands of businesses hoping that someone will fall for it,β she says.
Manuelaβs advice to other business owners is to do some lateral research and only secure domain names through reputable registrars.
βWith most businesses having tight resources, it is important to validate and vet any unnecessary expenses.β
Business owners looking for reputable domain name registrars can check their accreditation with the not-for-profit organisation the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).
Itβs then best to opt for registrars that offer robust security features such as Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), domain locking to prevent unauthorised transfers, and Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) for added security against spoofing.
Once youβve identified a reputable registrar, you can then compare their prices and fees. Consider what they offer around accessible customer support, such as chat, phone or email options, and whether it is available 24/7.
And if youβre pressured or approached to buy additional domain names, call your trusted registrar and get their advice. Ask them what other domains should you have in addition to your primary ones – there may be more domains you should have that are actually relevant to the NZ market.
Story by Stephanie Ockhuysen