Transferring a Domain Name for Free?? worrying?

[The_KiD]

I was just helping a friend out who had a domain name registered with a company called Freecom.net (*****'s).

I told him to try and get it transferred to 123reg.co.uk, when I went on their site, and entered his domain, it said he could trasfer it to them for free. GREAT!!!

However during his registration process, the only thing he had to do to get the domain name transferred was to tick a box that said "I confirm I am the legal owner of this domain".

The domain has transferred to 123reg so all is ok, but isnt that a little worrying that all he had to do was tick a box and all of a sudden the domain was his?

I just for the beans checked for Overclockers.co.uk and guess what

overclockers.co.uk taken Click for further information about this domain extension Transfer this for FREE

Concerning?

Obviously I realise that if he wasnt the correct owner then it would be taken back, but surely just the small amount of downtime that could be caused while itwas transferred and then transferred back would be a major problem ?

 

[rewindurmind]

It does raise an alarm. Are you sure that's all he had to do? He didn't have to give any private information about the domain? If that was true then I'm sure thousands of people would be doing it.

 

[phi1]

it is worrying!

 

[Adz]

The transfer procedure for .uk domains has always been this way. Once he has requested the transfer with 123-reg, he then has to ask the EXISTING registrar to change the IPS tag to 123-REG. This will require a log in to an account and proof of ID if requesting by mail/fax.

You're quite safe .

Edit: Transferring the domain simply changes the registrar tag, it does not give you ownership. You can only change the ownership of a .uk domain through Nominet themselves.

 

[stoofa]

No, not really.
All domains have a registered e-mail address for the Domain Administrator.
If you attempt to initiate a transfer to another company that person is sent an e-mail and asked to click on a link and then type in a code to allow the transfer to take place.
If they don't do so within 3 days the transfer is automatically cancelled.
This is the case for .com & .net domains.
.org domains use an authorisation code system.
.uk domains are initially pushed rather than pulled, so you would need to contact your current register and ask them to change the Tag before a new register could attempt to take it on.

The only way in which this is worrying is if somebody started the transfer of a domain, managed to hijack that domains e-mail and then click on the contained transfer link and enter the code - thus stealing the domain.
It's not likely to be honest.

 

[The_KiD]

Thanks for the info guys, so can the existing registrar charge you to move the domain to a new registrar? Or do I just need to give them IPS tag?

 

[Adz]

Thanks for the info guys, so can the existing registrar charge you to move the domain to a new registrar? Or do I just need to give them IPS tag?

They can charge you but they shouldn't. If they do you can circumvent them and have Nominet change the tag for a fee of £10 + VAT.

If your current registrar is a mainstream provider you will simply be able to log into your account and enter the new tag where prompted.

 

[stoofa]

Thanks for the info guys, so can the existing registrar charge you to move the domain to a new registrar? Or do I just need to give them IPS tag?

Nominet say that you shouldn't be charged more than a reasonable administration charge.
However at the same time they do refuse to put a cap on how much an ISP can charge to make the changes to the Tag.
Some places put silly prices into their terms & conditions and if that is the case then it maybe worth speaking to Nominet directly.
Please note that Nominet are not allowed to change the Tag if there is any billing disputes etc.
So if your current registra turn around to Nominet and claim you owe them money then you cannot neccessarily expect Nominet to simply change the Tag without question.

With a .uk domain the method is usually as follows:

1. Decide who you are moving the domain to, get an account and find out their IPSTag.
2. Contact your current registra and ask them to change the Tag to the new registra's.
Alternatively if you have Control Panel access for your domains you maybe able to login and do this yourself.
3. Wait for the Tag to be changed - once the change has been submitted to Nominet it shouldn't take more than an hour for this information to be updated on the domain. The delay is usually Nominet being notified.
4. Once the Tag has been changed, ask your new registra (or do it yourself if you've got Control Panel access) to transfer the domain in.
5. Job done - .uk domain successfully transffered