I've been trying to figure out the most appropriate approach to gaining control of a domain name one of my customers owns.
The problem is the web-host has disappeared, phone numbers are disconnected, email no response. Even their main website which is still running has malware on it now. This tells me they are a lost cause.
The second problem, which is bigger then the first is that the web-host registered the domain name to themselves as the admin and registrant. My customer has no login info or control of their website or registrar info.
I am not sure what the proper approach would be, I've tried contacting the registrar and they send me to this link: [icann.org...] however I do not speak lawyer.
Does anyone have a simple explanation as to what I need to do to help my customer?
Thanks!
1) Thank the registrar for the link. Read it carefully, an understanding of the procedures may be useful to you in the future.
2) Inform the client how much it will cost (your time and admin fees).
3) Assuming the client agrees to the fees...
4) Write to the registrar informing them of your planned action. Ask them to move the domain to another host while the complaint is being processed. They may be prepared to do this given that the legitimacy of the reason should be apparent, but even if they are willing to do this, I would expect them to wait until they receive confirmation that the complaint has been lodged.
You might suggest moving to the registrar's hosting service, assuming they have one and offering to arrange payment with a company credit card as proof of legitimacy. This might help but don't count on it.
Kaled.
