Once you purchase a domain name and register it with a domain registrar, you have successfully completed the first step in establishing your online presence. Now, you can build your website and start connecting with your new and existing customers.

The problem is that apart from your customers you may now also be experiencing unwanted guests coming via spam calls and messages. So what’s going on? Is your domain registrar selling your information? If they’re a trustworthy provider, the answer is no. However, there is more going on behind the scenes you should know.

After you register a domain, your information is collected in a database called WHOIS (who Is), which records who owns each domain. This information includes your mailing address and other details. Anyone can look up domain owners and view that information fairly easily. It’s very important to understand that having your information in the WHOIS database is not bad, in fact, it’s a good thing. This way, the domain owners can be made accountable for their website and any misuse or immoral activities can be identified. Even your customers can us WHOIS as a tool to cross-check your information or your authenticity.

How can I stop spam calls and messages after I register a domain name?

1. Opt out of WHOIS – There’s a possibility you can opt out of WHOIS altogether and stop spam calls before they start. However, there are very narrow qualifications you must meet in order to opt out. WHOIS opt-out is not available for domains with commercial purposes, only individuals can potentially opt-out. 
   
   
2. Purchase Domain Privacy – Domain Privacy is the best way to protect your personal information stored in the WHOIS directory. Every reputable domain hosting provider offers a domain privacy add-on. On signing up with domain privacy, your domain information including personal as well billing is masked with some generic information.
   
   
3. Update your Email Privacy Settings – Outlook and G-Mail users can simply go into their junk folder and check junk email settings. They can choose to permanently label an email address as junk if it’s sending spam messages.

Virtual Image recommends you use your factual information when you go to buy a domain name and use the domain privacy option to avoid being spammed. Follow your hosting provider’s rules and policies to protect your personal information and domain and immediately inform your hosting provider when you suspect any spam or fraudulent activities.