Our agent at Network Solutions has confirmed for me today a scam I have seen several times and thought it was just my imagination, bad luck, bad timing or a quick trip through the Twilight Zone.

Here is the scenario:
You check a domain name for availability on one of the many registrars, then go back at a later time (it only takes a few hours I suppose) and the domain name is not available anymore.

The scam comes from what are called "front runners"; persons who register domain names known to have been searched, for the purpose of monetizing them and then selling them at inflated prices either directly to the customer who searched for the domain or through aftermarket channels.

Network Solutions is implementing a domain name protection measure for us that defends against the actions of "front runners" by holding the domains we search at Network Solutions for a short period so that we can allow you to take the time to decide whether you want to proceed with the registration of your preferred name.  I hear this all the time:  "let me check with the doctor and get back to you".

At this time we ask our present and perspective eVetsite users to contact us by email or telephone with your domain choice and we can proceed with caution (anti-front runner protection) to check availability.

(You can always just try to access the URL directly and see if you get a website but this may not necessarily indicate that it is available, but may be a safe way to start out).

BE WARNED!  If you check a domain name for availability it may well get snapped up right afterwards.  This may sound crazy (or maddening) but we have had several calls from clients who checked availability, then asked us to register it for them, only to find out it was not available.