Whois
Protector - F.A.Q.'s
What
is the "Whois" database?
A live database that is available to the public 24/7, the Whois database includes
up-to-date contact information for all registered domains. ICANN, the organization
responsible for overseeing the domain name registration system, requires
all accredited domain name Registrars publish accurate and up-to-date contact
information including name, postal address, phone number, and email address
in the database. Inaccurate contact information can be grounds for cancellation
of a domain name.
What is ICANN?
ICANN stands for the International Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers.
ICANN coordinates, with accredited Registrars, the assignment of the following
identifiers that must be globally unique for the Internet to function: domain
names, IP address numbers and protocol parameter and port numbers.
Why should I register a domain name with DomainPeople
and add WhoisProtector?
The benefit of having a private domain registration through WhoisProtector
is that you shield your identity, home address, phone number and email address
from spammers, identity thieves, scammers, undesirables, etc. When you purchase
and activate the WhoisProtector service, WhoisProtector's contact information
appears in the public Whois database, not yours. To compare the difference
between a public and private domain name registration, click
here.
How much does it cost to register a domain with the WhoisProtector
service included?
The WhoisProtector service can be purchased for $9.95USD/year per domain. This
is in addition to your domain name registration fee.
If I register a domain name with the WhoisProtector service,
will I be listed as the registrant for the domain in the Whois?
No, WhoisProtector, Inc. will be listed in the public Whois database as the
holder of the domain. You will retain the rights to the domain and will have
full control over it. You can make changes to the name servers and your contact
information at anytime through your User
Admin.
If WhoisProtector, Inc. is listed as the registrant of
my domain, does that mean I no longer own the domain?
No, you continue to own the domain. DomainPeople, through WhoisProtector, Inc.,
is simply masking your contact information to protect your privacy.
How do I cancel the WhoisProtector private domain name
registration service?
You can cancel the service directly from the DomainPeople User Admin control
panel. Please note that refunds are not available for this service.
What if someone tries to contact me through the contact
information that appears on the Whois protected domain?
The public Whois database requires a postal address, an email address, and
a phone number for every registered domain name. When you add WhoisProtector
private registration to your domain, a WhoisProtector postal address will be
displayed in the address. A private email address for the domain is also created
and published on Whois in the following format: yourdomainname@mail1.WhoisProtector.com.
A WhoisProtector phone number is listed, which is configured with a voice message
advising the caller to email or send correspondence to the contact information
listed on the public Whois.
How do I control the email forwarding service for my Whois
protected domain?
When messages are received at your private WhoisProtector email address, they
are processed according to the email handling setting you entered for the domain
name. You control where email messages are forwarded to, the messages will
be forwarded to the specific email address that you provided to DomainPeople.
You may modify this specific email address at anytime.
What does WhoisProtector do with postal mail addressed
to my domain name?
WhoisProtector will sort and process registered, couriered and first-class
mail, that appears to be of a legal nature, that is received on your behalf.
You will be notified if mail of this type has been received and you will be
given the option to have the mail forwarded to your address. If mail is forwarded,
a shipping and handling charge will be billed to your account. WhoisProtector
will not open any mail that is addressed to you.
How am I notified if WhoisProtector has received mail
addressed to my domain name?
You will be notified by email in the event that registered, couriered correspondence
or first-class mail, that appears to be of a legal nature, has been delivered
on your behalf. The email notification will contain a scanned image or description
of the letter or package along with the shipping and handing fees required
to have the mail forwarded to your address. You will have five (5) days in
which to reply with your request to have the mail forwarded. Messages will
only be forwarded following successful fee processing.
Will WhoisProtector open and read mail that is addressed
to my domain name?
No, mail that is addressed to the registrant of a domain name will not be opened
or read.
What are WhoisProtector's shipping and handling fees?
Forwarded mail is sent to you by courier for a shipping and handling fee through
DomainPeople. You will be charged only if you reply to the notification email,
confirming you want correspondence sent to you and agree to accept the shipping
and handling charges. These fees must be paid before any correspondence is
forwarded.
How long does it take for the WhoisProtector contact information
to appear in Whois once activated?
The public Whois database is normally updated once per day. The private domain
registration information will appear for your domain once the Whois is updated.
Do I have to enter my valid contact information for a
domain name registration if I use WhoisProtector?
Yes, you must supply DomainPeople with your accurate contact information and
also keep this information up-to-date. This is a requirement by ICANN, who
can request this information in cases of complaints and disputes. It is also
very important to keep this information accurate to ensure you receive important
notices and correspondence intended for you such as domain renewal notices.
Does the WhoisProtector service expire the same time as
my domain?
WhoisProtector service is bound to a specific domain name. When the domain
expires and the contact information is no longer displayed on the public Whois,
the WhoisProtector service will expire. The service cannot be transferred to
another domain.
Will the WhoisProtector service be renewed when I renew
my domain registration?
The WhoisProtector service is bound to the registration term of your domain
and will be renewed when you renew your domain unless you cancel the WhoisProtector
service prior to renewal. DomainPeople will notify you with renewal instructions
when your domain and WhoisProtector services are up for renewal.
Will I be notified when it is time to renew my WhoisProtector
service?
Yes, DomainPeople will notify you when it is time to renew your domain and
WhoisProtector service.
How do I renew my WhoisProtector service?
You must renew the service through DomainPeople. The length of the WhoisProtector
service will equal the registration term of your domain.
What domain extensions can I use the WhoisProtector service
with?
The domain extensions currently supported are: COM, NET, ORG, BIZ, INFO, and
NAME.
How will WhoisProtector know if my contact information
changes?
WhoisProtector uses the contact information that you maintain with DomainPeople.
Will WhoisProctector, Inc. ever reveal my actual contact
information?
Your contact information will only be disclosed if required by a court of competent
jurisdiction, an arbitration award, directions from ICANN, or if there is a
breach in the service agreement.
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