Domain registration fraud (domain fraud)

Domain owners are informed by a dubious company that there is interest in domains with the same name and that these have to be registered immediately.

An alleged domain name registry sends an email to the owner of a .ch domain. It claims that it has received a request to register the same .ch domain name under .net, .com, .biz or some other ending. The fraudsters now offer to register these domains. However, the prices are massively inflated and it is doubtful whether the domains will actually be registered after payment.

Specific measures

Ignore such "requests" and delete the email immediately.

Preventive measures

Be sceptical if you receive emails that require action on your part and that carry a threat of consequences (loss of money, criminal charges or criminal proceedings, blocking of an account or card, missed chance, misfortune) if you do not do what is required.
Do not open any attachments or click on any links in suspicious emails; otherwise, you risk infecting your computer with malware. In case of any doubt, contact the supposed sender using a contact option listed on their website and ask about the exact nature of the matter and whether they actually sent the email.

Effects and risks

Financial loss
The prices are massively inflated and it is doubtful whether the domains will actually be registered after payment

Further Information

Further information can be found on the cybercrime police website:
https://www.cybercrimepolice.ch/de/fall/achtung-ch-domain-inhaber-neue-betrugsmasche/ (in German).