Why You Should Never Buy Domains for Someone Else

Purchasing a domain name for a friend or colleague might seem like a harmless favor, especially if they promise to handle the website or reimburse you later. However, if they have their own accounts on platforms like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains, their request to use your account raises serious concerns. As a DevOps or cybersecurity professional, you need to understand the technical, legal, and ethical risks involved. This blog post outlines the dangers, provides actionable steps to protect yourself, and offers safer alternatives to avoid being caught in a risky situation.

The Risks of Buying Domains for Others

When you register a domain under your name for someone else to use, you expose yourself to significant liabilities. Here’s what could go wrong:

1. Legal Responsibility as the Registrant

As the domain’s registrant, your name appears in the WHOIS database, making you legally accountable for how the domain is used. If your friend uses the domain for malicious activities—such as phishing, hosting illegal content, or distributing malware—you could face:

• DMCA takedown notices for copyrighted content.

• ICANN complaints or domain suspension.

• Law enforcement investigations targeting you, not the actual user.

• Blacklisting by Google, Symantec, or anti-spam services like Spamhaus, damaging your reputation.

For example, if your friend sets up a phishing site under the domain example-site.com, registered in your name, you could be reported to authorities or have your registrar account flagged.

2. Financial Liability

When you purchase a domain, you’re responsible for all associated costs, including:

• Initial registration fees and renewals (including premium renewals for high-value domains).

• Privacy protection fees to hide WHOIS data.

• Hosting or server costs if bundled with the domain.

If your friend fails to reimburse you or abandons the project, you’re left covering these expenses. Additionally, if the domain is used for fraudulent purposes, you might incur legal fees to defend yourself.

3. Lack of Legal Protection in Disputes

Without a formal agreement, disputes over domain ownership can become messy. Common scenarios include:

• Ownership conflicts: Your friend builds a successful business on the domain and later claims you’re trying to “steal” it by holding the registration.

• Abandonment: They walk away, leaving you with an unwanted domain and potential liabilities.

• No proof of intent: Without documentation, you can’t prove they asked you to buy the domain or that it was meant for their use.

For instance, if example-site.com becomes valuable and your friend demands control, you have no legal recourse without a written agreement or transfer record.

4. Potential for Malicious Use

Domains control critical infrastructure like DNS, MX records (for email), and TLS certificates. If your friend asks for DNS or email configuration changes, they could use the domain for:

• Phishing campaigns by setting up fraudulent email servers.

• Command-and-control (C2) infrastructure for malware.

• Traffic interception through DNS manipulation (e.g., man-in-the-middle attacks).

• Spam relays by misconfiguring SPF/DKIM/DMARC records.

If they’re hiding their identity by using your account, they might be engaging in blackhat SEO, crypto scams, or other illicit activities, leaving you to deal with the fallout.

5. Violation of Registrar Terms

Most registrars, like GoDaddy or Namecheap, have strict terms of service regarding domain ownership and use. Registering a domain for someone else without proper documentation (e.g., a reseller agreement) could violate these terms, risking:

• Account suspension or termination.

• Loss of access to your other domains or services.

6. Social Engineering Risks

If your friend insists on using your account despite having their own, they might be using you as a “domain mule” to shield their identity. Later, they could request access to your registrar account or DNS settings, potentially compromising your other assets.

Suspicious Behaviors to Watch For

Be cautious if your friend exhibits these red flags:

• Has registrar accounts but asks you to buy: They may be avoiding linking their identity to the domain.

• Avoids putting the domain in their name: Suggests they’re hiding from responsibility or scrutiny.

• Requests DNS changes without context: Could indicate phishing, C2 setup, or scam infrastructure.

• Asks for WHOIS privacy through your account: Hides their identity while tying your email to the domain.

• Promises to “pay later” or “host temporarily”: Often leads to abandoned domains and unpaid bills.

How to Protect Yourself: A Step-by-Step Guide

To avoid these risks, follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Refuse to Register Domains for Others

Politely decline to purchase domains or hosting under your account. Explain that it’s safer for them to use their own registrar account to maintain clear ownership and avoid legal complications.

Step 2: Assist with Their Account

If they need help, offer to guide them through the purchase process on their own account. You can:

• Share your screen to walk them through the registrar’s interface.

• Provide advice on DNS or hosting setup without taking ownership.

• Recommend trusted registrars like Namecheap or Google Domains.

Step 3: Demand Immediate Domain Transfer

If you’ve already purchased a domain for them, initiate a transfer to their account immediately. Most registrars allow domain transfers using a simple process:

1. Unlock the domain in your registrar account.

2. Generate a transfer authorization code (EPP code).

3. Provide the code to your friend and ensure they complete the transfer.

Step 4: Document Everything

Keep records of all communications, including:

• Emails or messages requesting the purchase.

• Payment confirmations (if they reimbursed you).

• Transfer agreements or intent to transfer the domain.

This documentation can protect you in case of legal or ICANN disputes.

Step 5: Use a Formal Agreement (If Necessary)

If you must assist, draft a simple agreement stating:

• The domain is purchased on their behalf.

• They are responsible for all content and usage.

• The domain will be transferred to their account by a specific date.

Caution: Even with an agreement, purchasing domains for others is risky. Only proceed if you fully trust the individual and have legal advice.

Step 6: Monitor Your Account

Regularly check your registrar account for unauthorized changes, especially if you’ve shared access temporarily. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to secure your account.

Safer Alternatives

Instead of buying domains for your friend, consider these alternatives:

• Guide them through the process: Help them purchase the domain on their account while you provide technical support.

• Act as a consultant: Offer advice on DNS setup, hosting, or security without taking ownership.

• Use a reseller account: If you frequently buy domains for others, set up a proper reseller account with the registrar to clarify ownership and responsibilities.

Sample Message to Decline Politely

If you want to refuse your friend’s request professionally, here’s a sample message:

Hi Lala,

I’m happy to help with your project, but I can’t purchase the domain under my account due to legal and financial risks. It’s safer for you to register it directly through your GoDaddy or Namecheap account to ensure you have full ownership and control. I’d be glad to guide you through the process or assist with setup—let me know how I can support you!

Merits and Demerits

Merits

• Helping a friend: You might strengthen your relationship by assisting with their project.

• Learning opportunity: Guiding them through the process can enhance your technical and communication skills.

• Temporary convenience: In rare cases, buying a domain might be a quick fix for an urgent project (with proper safeguards).

Demerits

• Legal exposure: You’re liable for any misuse of the domain.

• Financial burden: You may end up paying for renewals or fees if your friend doesn’t reimburse you.

• Reputation damage: Blacklisting or legal issues could harm your professional standing.

• Time and effort: Resolving disputes or transferring domains can be time-consuming.

Conclusion

Purchasing a domain for someone else, especially when they have their own registrar accounts, is a risky proposition. You expose yourself to legal, financial, and technical liabilities, with little protection if things go wrong. By refusing to register domains under your name, assisting with their account, and documenting all interactions, you can protect yourself while still being helpful. Always prioritize clear ownership and accountability to avoid being caught in a costly or dangerous situation.

Caution: Buying domains or hosting for others is inherently risky, even with agreements in place. Proceed at your own risk, and consult a legal professional if you’re unsure.