Solus Online - domain name scam?

[simpo two]

I've just had a call from 'Solus Online' saying that someone has asked to register some domain names very similar to my company, and do I have a problem with it.

Originally they said I had to decide what to do in 20 minutes; after 'checking with a supervisor' I now have a day.

I'm pretty sure it's a scam: they hardly seem an established compnay:www.holding.solusonline.net/

However, as those domain names are available, I thought I might register them anyway via my usual place.

Thoughts?

[timsta]

Yep, if you really need those domain registered then do them via the cheapest place you can find. Don't tell them though.

Alternatively, you can wait for someone else to register them and then sue them as J.K. Rowling did when somebody registered Harry Potter.

[stuuu]

This is a common scam and one which they can get away with. They don't have to provide any information on the person wanting to register, like there is one, they are just being nice kind citizens .

My ISP regularly send me e-mails warning of these scams, looks like your current ISP is not so security/ customer focused.

Also watch out for letters telling you about renewal (not from your normal company). There is an extra box at the bottom which you have to tick and gives them permission to transfer your domain to them. I guess they than charge you stupid fees to get the domain back.

[JamieBeeston]

As said above, ignore it.

If you want the domains, just use someone you trust.

Thats all that matters.

The only people you should ever get a legitimate bill from is your Domain Company (and maybe the Top Level Registrar if you have left your domain to expire)

Enjoy the summer

[simpo two]

I did indeed nip off to my usual outfit (123) and register the most 'useful' one, at £6.09 for 2 years. Not really becasue anyopne might grab it, but because someone trying to remember my web address might guess that one instead. So it's now all set up with web forwarding to the proper site.

It was a telephone call out of the blue, nowt to do with my ISP. But don't worry, they didn't get any cash!