Why You Can’t Register a Domain with a Fake Name (and What to Do Instead)

Many people hesitate to use real information for domain registration due to privacy concerns. You don’t want the entire World Wide Web to know your personal information. But can you register a domain under a fake name?  

The answer is no. Doing so can lead to serious risks, including domain suspension, and even losing your domain altogether. Fortunately, there are legitimate ways to keep your personal information secure when registering a domain.  

This article will cover why you need real information during domain name registration, the consequences of using fake details, and rightful options to protect your privacy.  

It all starts with the right domain. Get yours today at Domain.com.

Can I use fake information to register a domain name?  

No, you cannot use fake information to register a domain name. 

ICANN, or the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, is an organization that oversees domain name registration policies. Since the organization coordinates the global Domain Name System (DNS), they have the authority to implement registration policies and give sanctions to those who violate them.   

One of ICANN’s key policies requires that anyone registering a domain provides accurate information. This information appears in the WHOIS database, a publicly accessible database containing the domain registrant’s details, including their real name, contact information, and address.   

Here are the reasons why you need to provide your real name to register a domain: 

• Verification of domain ownership  

Domain registrars and authorities rely on accurate WHOIS data to confirm domain owners. This prevents disputes and unauthorized transfers, ensuring each domain belongs to the right owner. It’s like leasing an apartment. Landlords require real identity to prevent fraudulent transfers or misuse. Your domain is internet property. With accurate details, registrars can verify ownership, protect the registrant’s rights, and reduce the likelihood of fraud.  

• Registrant reachability  

Real information helps reach registrants quickly if there are problems, such as security risks, website abuse, or renewal reminders. If authorities can’t reach a domain owner, they might miss critical notices, which could result in domain suspension or loss.  

• Ensuring accountability  

ICANN’s policy on accurate WHOIS data plays a role in promoting accountability. By requiring valid identification, ICANN helps hold domain owners accountable for how they use their domains. There are dozens of cases involving spam, illegal activity, or copyright infringement. Accurate records help authorities trace issues back to the domain owner, adding a layer of accountability to online activities.  

Risks and penalties for providing fake information  

You may think that using a fake name is not a big deal and that ICANN doesn’t have real authority over you, but fake details come with significant risks and potential consequences that can impact the credibility of your online presence.  

Here’s a look at the primary repercussions: 

Domain suspension or revocation 

If a domain registrar identifies that an owner gave false information or someone reports inaccurate details, the registrar may immediately suspend the domain. During this time, the website becomes inaccessible, emails linked to the domain will stop functioning, and visitors will see that the domain is under review. 

In some cases, if the wrong information isn’t corrected promptly, the registrar may revoke the domain entirely, making it available for others to register. This can be disastrous for any individual or business that relies on the domain for their online operations. 

Loss of credibility and reputational harm 

Using fake information risks suspension and can damage your credibility and reputation, especially for businesses. If customers or partners discover that the business has provided fake registration details, they may lose trust in the brand, viewing it as unreliable or dishonest. This loss of trust can have long-term effects since current customers highly value authenticity and transparency. 

If a competitor or other third party discovers that your domain registration includes a fake name, they could report it to the registrar or ICANN to trigger an investigation. Such public legal scrutiny can harm your brand image and affect future partnerships or collaborations.  

Instances of registrar actions on fake name registration  

While registrars typically prefer to resolve domain or legal issues by requesting updated, accurate information, there have been notable cases where domains were suspended or revoked due to false information.  

Registrars have suspended thousands of domain names for failing to provide accurate information. Domain owners who cannot verify their information risk losing their domains.  

What happens if someone reports that your domain registration uses a fake name? 

What if someone flags your domain registrations as inaccurate? Will ICANN immediately suspend your domain name? Registrars have a clear protocol to handle these cases. 

When a registrar receives a report alleging an inaccurate or fake domain name registration, they are required by ICANN to investigate. Here’s a typical process: 

1. Registrar notification 

The registrar will notify the domain name owner, inform them of the issue, and request immediate action to verify or update the information. This notice often includes a deadline, typically within 15-30 days, for the registrant to respond and provide accurate data. 

2. Time to respond and correct information 

The domain owner must respond within the specified period, either by confirming the information is accurate or updating it to ensure compliance with ICANN’s requirements. If the domain name owner fails to update the information or does not respond, the registrar will consider this a compliance failure. 

3. Potential domain suspension 

If a failure to respond or the registrant provides no corrections, they may suspend the domain name. During suspension, the domain is taken offline, meaning that any associated website and email services will become inaccessible. This can severely impact businesses that rely on online presence or customer communications. 

4. Permanent loss of domain name 

For businesses and individuals, avoiding the issue within the registrar’s final timeframe could permanently revoke the domain. When this happens, the domain name is made available for others to purchase, potentially allowing competitors or third parties to acquire the domain. Losing a domain name this way can damage a business’s reputation and disrupt brand continuity, often forcing it to seek costly alternatives or rebrand. 

Alternatives to using a fake name to protect your privacy  

Don’t lose your domain name because of a fake name. If you’re concerned about privacy and security risks during domain registration, there are legitimate ways to keep your personal information secure. Here’s a look at the best options:    

Register a domain with WHOIS privacy + protection  

Domain.com‘s Domain Privacy + Protection prevents your personal information from being exposed. Normally, your name, address, email, and phone number are publicly visible in the WHOIS database. However, Domain.com allows private registration with Domain Privacy + Protection services by safeguarding your personal information from the database.  

Though we will still need your personal information as part of the registration process, we replace your information in the WHOIS directory with the proxy details. This ensures a successful domain purchase without risking your security.  

Most importantly, Domain.com lets you register a domain privately without violating ICANN’s policies. That is because we, the domain registrar, remain the contact point for all official inquiries, so you fully comply with ICANN requirements without publicizing your personal information.   

Using domain privacy gives you the best of both worlds—complete anonymity and compliance. This is ideal for individuals and businesses who want to protect sensitive information without risking domain name suspension.  

Note: While domain privacy protection service is an excellent solution for securing your information, not all top-level domains (TLDs) can have a private WHOIS listing. Some ccTLDs (Country-Code Top Level Domains) don’t allow privacy. Other extensions like .AU and .SG don’t support WHOIS privacy service. 

Using a business address 

If domain privacy protection isn’t available or suitable, consider using a business address or a P.O. Box instead of your home address instead of fake names. Many domain registrants use this approach to remain private while complying with ICANN’s accuracy requirements. Though using an alias is illegal, registering a domain under a business address instead of your personal address does not warrant privacy risk.  

Regularly updating information  

Another way to ensure privacy while remaining compliant is to regularly review your WHOIS database information. Over time, addresses, emails, and phone numbers may change, so keeping these details current is essential. Schedule a routine check—perhaps once a year or after any major move—to prevent issues. Once you change addresses or emails, make sure to update your information right away. 

Keep your domain names secure and compliant 

When registering a domain, using your real name is essential. Doing so is not only for legal compliance with ICANN regulations but also to protect your online presence and avoid the risk of suspension or revocation.  

If you’re really concerned about security risks and identity theft, you can always add a domain privacy service along with your domain purchase at Domain.com. We can help you keep your personal information hidden from the public! 

It all starts with the right domain. Get yours today at Domain.com.