The registrars are having a new wave of spammig schemes that make you think something is wrong with your domain name. The lastest example targets Network Solutions and goes something like this:
Dear Network Solutions® Customer,
On Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:20:36 +0530 we received a third party complaint of invalid domain contact information in the Whois database for this domain Whenever we receive a complaint, we are required by ICANN regulations to initiate an investigation as to whether the contact data displaying in the Whois database is valid data or not. If we find that there is invalid or missing data, we contact both the registrant and the account holder and inform them to update the information.
Please note: ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) regulations state that the WHOIS Administrative Contact may initiate and approve domain name registration transfers from your Network Solutions account to other Registrars. If you are not listed as the WHOIS Administrative Contact a transfer can occur without your knowledge if Domain Protect is not enabled for the domain name registrations listed above.
To change the WHOIS Administrative Contact Information for any of your domains, please login to Account Manager:
1. Log in to Account Manager at: https://mail.yourdomainname.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=https://mail.yourdomainname.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.networksolutions.com.sys78.biz” target=_blank>http://www.networksolutions.com.
2. Click on the “Profile & Accounts” tab in the left navigation menu to be taken to a page listing your account details.
3. Click on “Accounts” and select the account you wish to edit.
4. Click “View/Edit WHOIS Contacts” to make your updates.If you believe someone requested this change without your consent, please contact Customer Service.
If you would like to order additional services or to update your account, please visit us online.
Thank you for choosing Network Solutions. We are committed to providing you with the solutions, services, and support to help you succeed online.
Sincerely,
Network Solutions® Customer Support
What you need to look at is the ultimate domain name of the url: http://www.networksolutions.com.sys78.biz which means that if you click on the link, it actually goes to the sys79.biz website. This is just one example as there are several others going around out there.
What you need to do is make sure you know where your domain name is registered and keep up with how to log in and check on the expiration dates. If you have a company managing your domain name, like we do at Giraffe Web Development for out clients, then contact your domain manager to double-check on your domain before clicking any links.