FTC investigators also make active use of the myriad information sources available on the Web. Particularly useful is the Whois database of registration information about the operators of Web sites. For law enforcers working to prevent Internet fraud, the problem of false domain name registration information has become an impediment to effectively identifying law violators. When accurate, the registration information publicly available on the Whois database provides an important tool for tracking down the operators of Web sites violating the law. Commission investigations are increasingly being hampered, however, by registration information that is not only false, but sometimes clearly false on its face.
Several measures contained in the Accreditation Agreement are particularly noteworthy.
From a law enforcement perspective, the most critical information gathered is the name and physical address of the domain name holder, which is necessary to identify an alleged wrongdoer and facilitate service of process. Despite the contractual obligation to submit accurate contact information, unscrupulous applicants may persist in providing false contact details. Indeed, certain bad actors may register with no intention of paying, seeking only a free, short-lived domain name to defraud consumers. Requiring prepayment would discourage such practices. Additionally, registrars can use payment information obtained during the registration process to validate the accuracy of the contact information if necessary.