A new trick these companies are using involves sending an email that says you have a possible domain name dispute with someone trying to register your domain name with Chinese or Asian extensions (such as .cn and .asia). This email is a ruse intended to scare you into registering a foreign domain through their company—usually at a highly inflated price.

This is becoming an all too common tactic with some domain registrars. It works because they rely on your fear to keep you from rationally evaluating the situation. When you receive an unexpected notice ask yourself a few simple questions.

Do you trust the source of the information?
Do you do business in the countries the notice refers to?
Do you really care about yourdomainname.cn or yourdomainname.asia?

If you decide to purchase one of those domain names, make sure you shop around and get the best value for your money. The unscrupulous company that sent you the email will often charge a much higher price than their competitors.

Remember to do your research and always verify the source of unsolicited information.