City of York Council's trading standards officers are warning local businesses to be alert to dubious sales tactics of domain name registration companies.

Local businesses are being targeted by a number of companies in the domain name industry who attempt to trick them into paying a fee in the region of £50-£200 to secure their name from 'competitors'.

Council trading standards manager Elizabeth Levett, said, "Local businesses should be wary of unsolicited telephone calls stating that an attempt has been made to register their business name and offering 'first refusal on the name'.

"Any attempts by the recipient of the call to find out the name of the company trying to register the name is refused on the grounds that the Data Protection Act forbids this and potential purchasers are told time is of the essence and urged to make an immediate decision and payment.

"Therefore it is impossible to find out whether or not someone is intending to register a domain name similar to or the same as your own and whether paying the sums asked for will actually secure the name."

The council is advising local businesses to beware of such high pressure sales tactics and not to part with any money. Businesses receiving such telephone calls should contact trading standards on 551562 for further advice and information.

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