This reminded me of something that I was going to post about here but forgot.

I helped register a domain name with Network Solutions a few months back for a computer illiterate friend of mine. He was composing a letter to someone with an "idea" he had and the domain name was his suggestion for the project name. He had never used this name before for anything else, no business ties to it or anything. It was pretty much a spur of the moment thing

He also used the project name as his "company name" when registering it and his cell phone number. The very next day, (before he had even mailed the letter) he received a call on his cell phone from someone trying to sell him web design or hosting services or something of the sort. Confused, he asked them why they'd be calling him and their response was "This is (the company name) isn't it?"

Now I know when someone applies for a business license, it's a "public record" and every day, there are numerous companies and/or individuals reviewing these new licensees, adding them to their lists to use for their own telemarketing solicitations etc. Get a business license and you are overwhelmed with calls from companies selling everything from business cards to credit card processing services.

But is there the same sort of "list" made available of newly registered domain names? Like the one you can get at the County Clerk's office for new business licenses?

We know it wasn't a Network Solutions rep calling him either. The number was still in his cell phone and when we tried calling back, it went directly to voicemail with "You have reached ### - No one is available to take your call..etc"

Sure seemed suspicious to me! Anyone had a similar experience?

Thanx!

Carrie**