When purchasing a domain, it’s important to verify its history. Domains can be valuable based on their age, history, and relevance. However, sometimes sellers may try to mislead buyers by providing false information about the domain’s age or other details. In this guide, we’ll walk through how you can use two powerful tools, Whois.com and Namebio.com, to check domain information and avoid potential scams. I’ll also share a real-world example of how I was contacted by a seller claiming to have a 20-year-old domain, but after doing my research, I found that it was only a year old.
What is Whois.com?
Whois.com is a domain lookup tool that provides detailed information about a domain, including its registration date, the owner’s contact information (if not private), and other domain-related metadata. Here’s how you can use it:
Go to Whois.com:
Head to the Whois website (https://whois.com) and enter the domain name you want to research.
Check Registration Date:
One of the key pieces of information you’ll find is the registration date. This tells you when the domain was first registered, and can give you a clue about its age. A 20-year-old domain, for example, will have a registration date from two decades ago.
Look for Updates or Changes:
Whois also shows the most recent updates to the domain, including transfers, ownership changes, and renewal dates. If the domain was recently transferred or renewed, it may indicate a much younger domain than advertised.
What is Namebio.com?
Namebio.com is a database of historical domain sales. It’s a great tool for checking the past sale prices of domains, and understanding their market value. It can also help in verifying claims about the age and history of a domain. Here’s how you can use it:
Go to Namebio.com:
Visit (https://namebio.com) and enter the domain name you want to look up.
Check the Sale History:
Namebio will display any recorded sales for that domain, along with prices and dates. This can help you verify how long the domain has been in use and if it’s been sold before.
Cross-Check with Whois.com Information:
Compare the sale history with the Whois data to confirm the domain’s age and history. If a domain was bought and sold recently, but the seller claims it’s 20 years old, you may want to proceed with caution.
My Experience: The 20-Year-Old Domain Scam
Not long ago, a seller contacted me, offering to sell a “premium” domain that they claimed was 20 years old. They argued that the age of the domain would give it higher SEO value and make it a perfect fit for my business. However, something felt off.
I decided to do some research using Whois.com and Namebio.com.
Step 1: Whois.com Search:
When I checked the domain on Whois.com, I was surprised to find that the domain was registered only one year ago. It had not been around for 20 years at all.
Step 2: Namebio.com Search:
To make sure the domain had not been through multiple owners over the years, I searched it on Namebio.com. There was no historical sale data indicating a 20-year-old domain. In fact, there were no sales listed at all.
Why This Matters
When a seller claims a domain is significantly older than it is, it can be a red flag. Older domains can indeed hold value because they may have existing backlinks, trust with search engines, and brand recognition. However, these advantages are only present if the domain has actually been active for that long.
If the domain you’re interested in was recently registered or transferred, it’s important to be cautious, especially if the seller is pushing the narrative of its age without supporting evidence.
Steps to Safely Research Domain Information:
Use Whois.com for Basic Information:
Double-check the registration date, ownership, and transfer history.
Look for any anomalies like recent updates or privacy protection that may indicate a red flag.
Check Namebio.com for Sales History:
Use this tool to cross-reference any sales data and confirm the domain’s age and market value.
Do More Research on the Seller:
If the domain’s age is questionable, try to learn more about the seller. Check for any feedback or reviews that could give you insight into their reputation.
Consult with Experts:
If you’re new to domain purchasing, consider reaching out to a domain expert or a digital marketing consultant to help with your due diligence.
Conclusion
In the world of domain purchasing, not all that glitters is gold. It’s easy to get excited about a potential acquisition, but it’s crucial to do your research. By using tools like Whois.com and Namebio.com, you can verify the information the seller provides and make an informed decision.
My experience with the 20-year-old domain claim serves as a reminder that, sometimes, things are not always what they seem. By taking a moment to double-check the domain’s history and data, you can avoid making costly mistakes and ensure you’re getting a domain that truly fits your needs.
Final Tip for Beginners
Always trust, but verify. Never rush into purchasing a domain based solely on the seller’s claims—take advantage of the resources at your disposal to check the facts.
This post should provide your readers with a solid foundation in using Whois.com and Namebio.com, along with a cautionary tale about domain buying.
