---
title: "What Is Domain theft? Domain Glossary | Grit Brokerage"
description: "Domain theft, also called domain hijacking, is taking control of a domain without the owner's permission. Thieves often steal registrar account logins..."
url: https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/domain-theft
publisher: Grit Brokerage
contact: https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/contact
offer: https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/inquiry
---

Legal and disputes

# Domain theft

Domain theft, also called domain hijacking, is taking control of a domain without the owner's permission. Thieves often steal registrar account logins or trick the registrar into a transfer.

## Why it matters

Valuable names are targets. Protect accounts with two-factor authentication, a strong password, and registrar lock. If a theft happens, ICANN advises that you first contact your registrar, then keep proof you owned the name. You can file an unauthorized transfer complaint. Buyers should check the seller's history to avoid buying a stolen name, since a thief can sell it fast. Common mistake: paying a seller who cannot prove ownership. Use escrow and check that the account holder matches the registrant before any money moves.

Source: [icann.org](https://www.icann.org/en/blogs/details/documentation-is-key-to-recovering-hijacked-domain-names-14-4-2016-en)

[Read nextDomain Sale Scams: How to Spot Fake Buyers, Appraisal Scams, and Fake Escrow](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/guides/domain-sale-scams)

## Buying or selling a domain?

Call, text or email. Responsiveness is our trademark, and a broker answers, not a form robot.

[Talk to a broker](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/contact) [Call (442) 500-GRIT](tel:+1-442-500-4748)