There are many web sites out there that offer services that allow their visitors to check for domain name availability. If you've used such services in the past, or if you are thinking about doing so, stop!

It seems that some of these web sites, provide such services with the intention to snatch their visitors' ideas, or in this case, the domain names their visitors are trying to get. Once such web sites have control of the domain name, they usually resell the name at a high price.

Many people have reported that after checking for domain name availability through these web sites, the domain names that were found to be available were almost immediately taken by someone else. This could just be a coincidence but then again, it may not be one.

To stay on the safe side, use Network Solutions' web site to check for domain name availability. Network Solutions is responsible for registering the world's .com, .net and .org addresses. Remember, it's better to be safe than sorry.