Questionable methods

Customers are sometimes contacted by various companies attempting to sell them domain names they already own, but under a different top-level domain. These companies typically apply time pressure and quote prices higher than what is customary.

Customers are often told that someone else is interested in the domain  and if they do not register it, the other person will.

As a domain holder, you may be contacted by phone or email by companies using dubious methods offering to sell you domain names under top-level domains such as for example .com, .net and .org.

The sales person may claim that they have "another customer" interested in the domain name and says they are obligated to first offer you the domain name because you already own the domain name under .se or .nu.

Mass invoicing also occurs, targeting domain holders who are businesses or other legal entities. These invoices can be mistaken for a renewal of a service you already have — such as web hosting — but are merely high-cost charges of unclear value.

Register a .se domain when you register a new company name

For many years, we have noted the registration of .se domains where the domain name is identical to a new company name, which was registered and published just a few days earlier. Therefore, it is important to remember to also register your domain name in conjunction with the registration of your new company name.

Known deceptive actors

Companies that currently use questionable practices appear on Svensk Handel’s Varningslistan.

It is The Swedish Internet Foundation's recommendation to our registrars (resellers), not to cooperate with companies using questionable practices, in accordance to the registrar agreement (section 2.5).

The registrars' association Registrars.se also supports this recommendation, referencing their ethical guidelines.

If you get scammed

Once you have accepted the terms of an agreement—no matter how unreasonable the content may be—you, as a business owner, generally have little chance of avoiding the consequences of the deal. If you have signed the order or contract, it is especially difficult to have it canceled.

Telemarketing scammers often record parts of the call where you, as the customer, appear to accept the agreement—while deliberately leaving out the coercive or threatening context that preceded the commitment. These audio clips are frequently sent by the scammers when demanding payment.

Although the scammers often have a legally binding agreement and registration assignment, it is very common for them to invoice the customer without performing the service. You can check for yourself whether the invoiced domain names have been registered and/or been registered with you as the holder. If not, you are advised to register the relevant domain yourself through a reseller of your choice.

However, if you have never consented to the charge you are being asked to pay, or if it has not been carried out in accordance with the contract, you should firmly reject the transaction. Consumers, as private individuals, are afforded stronger protection, and some registrars offer the option to withdraw.

If you have been deceived, there are several steps you can take, especially if you suspect that the situation involves fraud, copyright infringement, or any other criminal activity. However, it is not illegal to overprice services.

Dispute the invoice

If you receive an incorrect invoice from a domain scam artist, you can dispute it, i.e. refuse to pay it. However, you must be sure that you have not accepted the offer. Approaches and rules differ a lot between entrepreneurs and private individuals, so the best thing is that you turn to information from Svensk Handel (The Swedish Trade Federation), if you are a company – or for private individuals, the Swedish Consumer Agency's websites for information on how to proceed.

Never call the scammer and try to cancel an agreement or dispute an invoice. Domain scam artists can record the call and manipulate the recordings in their own favor.

There are some key rules to be taken into account. Never call the domain scammer and try to cancel an agreement or dispute an invoice. This is because the domain scam artists can record the call and manipulate the recordings. Send all communications through postal letter, if possible. (Only send copies of the invoice, not the original.)

If you receive a claim on the invoice, you do not need to act if you already disputed the invoice. However, if the case is sent to debt collection, you must dispute the invoice again. You can dispute directly to the collector. The Police, together with Kronofogen (The Enforcement Agency) among others have more information on how to dispute claims.

If you belong to a trade or professional association, you may in some cases receive legal assistance from them to pursue a case involving the dispute of an invoice.

Report to the police

If you receive an invoice for a service or item that you have not ordered, after checking the facts, report the sender for fraud. Never call the person concerned, but send all communication through regular mail (see above). Gather and archive all documents related to the fraud attempt to ensure you have the strongest possible evidence in the event of a trial.

Report questionable business practices

If you have been affected by questionable business practices related to domain names, you are encouraged to report the incident to Svensk Handel (the Swedish Trade Federation) or Förenade Bolag. If you are a private individual, you can also contact Konsumentverket (the Swedish Consumer Agency) to report companies or individuals engaging in such practices.

Additionally, if you are a member of a trade organization or industry association, it is advisable to inform them as well. Experience shows that domain name scams often spread rapidly and tend to target specific industries in waves.

Verification of incorrect or incomplete holder information

If the Swedish Internet Foundation becomes aware of – or suspects – that holder information is incorrect or incomplete, it will contact the registrar with a request to verify the holder’s details and ensure the information is corrected, in accordance with the applicable registration terms.