Namecheap - Domain Registrar Abuse Reporting Guide

Last Updated: November 7, 2025
Provider Type: Domain Registrar
Response Time: 24-72 hours (typical)
Success Rate: High (75-85%)

Overview

Namecheap is a popular domain registrar known for competitive pricing and robust abuse handling. They have a dedicated abuse department that investigates phishing, trademark infringement, and fraudulent domain usage. This guide will walk you through the process of reporting a fraudulent domain registered with Namecheap.

Prerequisites

Before reporting, gather the following information:

Fraudulent domain name (e.g., scam-site.com)
Your legitimate domain (e.g., legit-business.com)
Evidence of abuse:
- Screenshots of the fraudulent site
- WHOIS data confirming Namecheap as registrar
- Examples of brand/trademark infringement
- Evidence of phishing or impersonation
Your contact information (business email strongly preferred)

Verification Steps

1. Confirm Namecheap is the Registrar

Run a WHOIS lookup:

whois fraudulent-domain.com

Look for:

Registrar: NameCheap, Inc.
Registrar WHOIS Server: whois.namecheap.com
Registrar URL: https://www.namecheap.com

If you see "NameCheap" or "Namecheap" in the registrar field, proceed with this guide.

Reporting Methods

Method 1: Namecheap Abuse Report Form (Recommended)

URL: https://www.namecheap.com/support/knowledgebase/article.aspx/9196/5/how-and-where-can-i-file-abuse-complaints

Steps:

Navigate to the Namecheap abuse contact page
Email abuse@namecheap.com directly (no web form available)
Use the email template provided below

Method 2: Email Abuse Team Directly

Email: abuse@namecheap.com

Subject Line: Phishing/Trademark Abuse Report: [fraudulent-domain.com]

Email Template:

To: abuse@namecheap.com
Subject: Phishing/Trademark Abuse Report: scam-site.com

Dear Namecheap Abuse Team,

I am writing to report a fraudulent domain registered through Namecheap that is impersonating my business and engaging in [phishing / trademark infringement / fraud].

FRAUDULENT DOMAIN INFORMATION:
Domain: scam-site.com
Registrar: NameCheap, Inc. (confirmed via WHOIS)
Current Status: Active
Discovery Date: [Date you discovered the fraud]

LEGITIMATE BUSINESS INFORMATION:
Business Name: [Your Company Name]
Legitimate Domain: legit-business.com
Contact Email: contact@legit-business.com
Relationship: Owner / Authorized Representative
Trademark Registration: [If applicable: USPTO Reg No. XXXXXXX]

NATURE OF ABUSE:
The reported domain is engaging in the following violations:

1. BRAND IMPERSONATION:
   - Using a confusingly similar domain name to our trademark
   - Copying our logo, website design, and branding elements
   - Falsely representing themselves as our business

2. PHISHING/FRAUD:
   - [If applicable] Attempting to collect customer credentials
   - [If applicable] Processing fraudulent transactions
   - [If applicable] Collecting sensitive personal information under false pretenses

3. CUSTOMER HARM:
   - Deceiving consumers into believing they are on our legitimate website
   - [If applicable] We have received [X] customer complaints about this site

EVIDENCE:
Attached you will find:
1. Screenshot of the fraudulent website with full URL visible
2. Screenshot of our legitimate website for side-by-side comparison
3. WHOIS lookup results confirming Namecheap as the registrar
4. [Optional] Trademark registration certificate
5. [Optional] Customer complaint emails/screenshots

VIOLATIONS OF NAMECHEAP TERMS:
This domain violates Namecheap's Terms of Service, specifically:
- Section [X]: Prohibition on phishing and impersonation
- Section [Y]: Trademark infringement prohibition
- Acceptable Use Policy: Fraudulent activities

REQUEST FOR ACTION:
We respectfully request that Namecheap:
1. Suspend the fraudulent domain immediately
2. Investigate the registrant for Terms of Service violations
3. Take appropriate action up to and including domain cancellation
4. [Optional] Provide confirmation of action taken

We are available to provide additional documentation or clarification as needed. You may contact me directly at [phone number] or [email address].

This matter is causing significant harm to our business and customers. We appreciate your prompt attention and action.

Thank you,

[Your Full Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company Name]
[Your Business Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

Important: Attach all evidence files directly to the email.

What Happens Next

Timeline

Acknowledgment: 24-48 hours (case number may be provided)
Initial Review: 24-72 hours
Investigation Period: 3-10 business days
Resolution: Domain suspension, transfer, or cancellation

Expected Communications

Acknowledgment Email: Namecheap may acknowledge receipt (not always sent)
Follow-Up Requests: They may ask for additional evidence
Resolution Notice: You'll typically be notified of the outcome

Possible Outcomes

✅ Best Case: Domain suspended within 48-72 hours
⚠️ Common Case: Domain suspended after investigation (5-7 days)
🔄 Alternative: Domain placed on "Client Hold" (prevents transfer)
❌ Rare Case: Report denied due to insufficient evidence (you can resubmit)

Tips for Success

Do's:

✅ Use your business email address (@your-domain.com)
✅ Provide comprehensive, high-quality evidence
✅ Include WHOIS data showing Namecheap as registrar
✅ Be specific about which Terms of Service sections are violated
✅ Attach all evidence directly to the email
✅ Include trademark registration if you have one
✅ Follow up if you don't hear back within 72 hours

Don'ts:

❌ Don't use free email services (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.)
❌ Don't be vague about the nature of the abuse
❌ Don't make threats or use aggressive language
❌ Don't exaggerate or make unverifiable claims
❌ Don't submit multiple duplicate reports
❌ Don't include irrelevant information

Follow-Up Instructions

If you don't hear back within 72 hours:

Check your spam/junk folder for Namecheap emails
Send a follow-up email to abuse@namecheap.com with:
- Subject: "Follow-up: Abuse Report for [domain]"
- Reference your original email date
- Politely request status update
Alternative contact: Use Namecheap live chat support
- Mention you have an open abuse case
- Request to be connected to the abuse department

If your report is denied or ignored:

Request clarification on the denial reason
Gather stronger evidence (more screenshots, customer complaints, etc.)
Resubmit with enhanced documentation
Escalate to legal action:
- Send a cease & desist letter to the domain owner (via Namecheap's proxy email if WHOIS-protected)
- File a UDRP complaint if you have a trademark
- Report to government agencies (FTC, FBI IC3)

Namecheap-Specific Considerations

WHOIS Privacy Protection

If the fraudulent domain uses Namecheap's "WhoisGuard" privacy protection:

Namecheap can still investigate internally
You won't see the registrant's real information
Namecheap will forward complaints to the registrant if appropriate

Domain Status Codes

After reporting, check WHOIS for status changes:

whois fraudulent-domain.com | grep Status

Look for:

clientHold - Domain temporarily locked by Namecheap
serverHold - Domain suspended pending investigation
redemptionPeriod - Domain deleted and in grace period

These indicate Namecheap has taken action.

Legal Considerations

When to Involve Legal Counsel

Consider consulting an attorney if:

The fraudulent site is causing major financial harm (>$10K)
Namecheap denies your report despite clear evidence
You have a registered trademark
The domain owner escalates or retaliates

Alternative Legal Actions

UDRP (Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy):
- Cost: ~$1,500-$3,000
- Timeline: 60-90 days
- Best for trademark holders
Cease & Desist Letter:
- Cost: $500-$2,000 (attorney fees)
- Can be sent via Namecheap's WhoisGuard proxy email
Court Order:
- Cost: $5,000-$50,000+
- Obtain injunction forcing domain transfer or cancellation

Additional Resources

Namecheap Abuse Policy: https://www.namecheap.com/legal/general/abuse-policy/
Namecheap Terms of Service: https://www.namecheap.com/legal/general/universal-terms-of-service-agreement/
ICANN Complaint Process: https://www.icann.org/compliance/complaint
UDRP Information: https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/help/dndr/udrp-en

Common Questions

Q: How long does Namecheap keep domains suspended?
A: Typically 30-60 days pending investigation. Serious violations result in permanent cancellation.

Q: Will Namecheap reveal who registered the domain?
A: No, due to privacy laws. However, WHOIS may show registrant info if they didn't use privacy protection.

Q: Can I buy the domain after it's suspended?
A: Not through the abuse process. The domain may become available after cancellation, but you'd need to register it normally.

Q: What if the domain uses WhoisGuard privacy?
A: Namecheap can still investigate. WhoisGuard doesn't shield registrants from legitimate abuse complaints.

Q: Should I also file with ICANN?
A: Yes, if Namecheap doesn't respond. ICANN oversees registrars and can compel action.

Summary Checklist

Before submitting your report, confirm you have:

Verified Namecheap is the registrar via WHOIS
Gathered all evidence (screenshots, WHOIS data, trademark info)
Prepared a detailed, professional description of the abuse
Used your business email address (@your-domain.com)
Attached all evidence files to the email
Included specific Terms of Service violations
Provided clear contact information
Saved a copy of your email for follow-up

Document Version: 1.0
Contributors: ScamSnitch.ai Research Team
License: Public Domain - Free to use and distribute

This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with an attorney for specific legal guidance.

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