Domain Names NZ

The Domain Name Commissioner is aware of another mass mail out by an entity trading as "Domain Names NZ".

"Domain Names NZ" appears to be sending pro forma letters to registrants of .co.nz domain names. The letters seek fees for the registration of the .net.nz version of the same name. Other variations of domain names are also "offered".

The Domain Name Commissioner is not aware of any authorised .nz domain name registrar using the trade name "Domain Names NZ".

The letters to registrants specify a .net.nz domain name to be registered. Authorised .nz domain name registrars are not permitted to specify a particular domain name in an offer of registry services.

The letters are also in a printed form that looks similar to an invoice or a renewal notice. This may cause confusion.

Registrants who have recently received what appears to be an invoice or a renewal notice for their domain name are strongly advised to look carefully at all details before paying any sum requested.

Registrants are strongly advised to be cautious before proceeding with any registration offered in a letter from Domain Names NZ.

Registrants are also reminded that they are under no obligation to proceed with the registration and that doing nothing will not affect their current domain name.

The DNC is monitoring the situation and will investigate any possible breaches of .nz policy. If people have concerns about the actions of Domain Names NZ please email [email protected].

It is noted that Domain Names NZ have previously received a warning from the Commerce Commission about unsolicited mail seeking domain name registrations. A release about that warning can be seen at http://www.comcom.govt.nz/publications/display_mr.cfm?mr_id=1252.