Scams and Rogue Traders

The DTI has published a website that provides good information on various scams (not just Internet ones) that affect us all. Visit Don't Be A Mug for more details.

If you want to report a scam or a rogue trader, then visit the Rip Off Tip Off website - it's not the most elegant site you have ever seen and could do with looking a bit more professional (I have passed them my comments), but it is part of the network of Trading Standards offices.

Telephone Preference Service

From today corporate subscribers will be able to register the telephone numbers that they do not wish unsolicited direct marketing calls and it is now a legal obligation for anyone making direct marketing calls to ensure they do not call corporate subscribers who have registered their wish not to be called.

For information and registration click: TPS

(You will find that the registration screen splits the telephone number into categories that most of us have never heard of. The area code box is fine, but the number field will only accept 4 digits – if you enter the last 4 digits in field 3 and the previous ones in field 2, you will see on later screens that it works OK.)

Phishing

Phishing is a term used to describe the use of 'spoofed' e-mails and fraudulent websites designed to fool you into divulging personal financial data such as credit card numbers, account usernames and passwords, social security numbers, etc. It is claimed by industry experts that by hijacking the trusted brands of well-known banks, online retailers and credit card companies, phishers are able to convince up to 5% of recipients to respond to them.

There is an excellent list of do's and don't on this page: Anti Phishing Working Group

Domain Ownership

One of the most frequently asked question we get about Internet domains is in regard to ownership and renewal fees.

Domain names are registered for distinct periods, most often two years, although longer periods are starting to be accepted.

Each country will have its own registrar (Nominet for UK domains) who controls the registration procedures and ownership records. Most people will not deal directly through the registrar – they actually charge higher prices to discourage this – except when they send the owner the registration certificate. Most of the time, you will deal through an authorised agent, who will levy their own scale of charges on an annual of two-yearly basis. (That's another minefield!)

There are three parties associated with domains - the owner, the technical authority and the administration authority.

The most frequent cause of dispute is over ownership. If registration was done on your behalf, then your company should have been registered as the owner – if that is not the case, then speak to your agent to arrange transfer. If you are in dispute, then contact the registrar – UK domains see nominet.org.uk

That leaves the technical and admin authorities. Both are normally the organisation that arranges the hosting of the domain and any associated website.

If there are answers questions on domain ownership contact us direct.

Digital Certificate Guide

Thawte, a leading name in the Internet security field, has produced a readable guide on secure data transfer. The guide covers an explanation of Secure Socket Layer (SSL) terminology, which is the protocol for handling digital certificates, digital signatures etc.

Click here to go to Thawte's website and then look for the download link to the recommended guide (bottom right of the screen last time we looked).

Contact us if you want more information on the use of SSL.