Avoid Web Host Scams
A Web Hosting Article Contributed by Frances Rhea
Ripped off by Your Web Host
There are many unscrupulous web hosts that exist. There are a variety of 'tricks' used by these companies to ensnare. Armed with this article you will know what to watch out for.
Unlimited Bandwidth or Web Host Space
It is impossible for a company to provide unlimited space or bandwidth for your use. Since the web host and their associated technologies are limited (How can you have 'unlimited' hard disk space? ), these unlimited offers are an advertising gimmick. You will find deep within the company's Terms of Service agreement that the unlimited offering is negated in some way. The clauses will usually indicate that excessive CPU usage will be grounds for your account termination.
No Web Host Contact Available
Some hosts make it impossible to contact them. They do not even provide an email address so that you can contact them. After searching their web site, you will not find a phone number, address, or any other contact information provided. Stay away from this type of web host even if they have a forum. A forum is posted by other users and not always monitored or responded to by the web host.
Long Term Contracts Only
It is understandable that a cheaper web host plan may warrant an annual only payment. Beware of web hosts that exclusively provide only an annual service. There is no guarantee that you will get 12 months of service even though you have paid them for 12 months. They may not be in business in 6 months let alone 12 months!
Domain Registration in the Web Host Name
Some web hosts will offer to register your domain for you. Although this is not illegal, registering the domain in their own name is. When you try moving your domain from their servers, you will find that you lose the domain name because you are not the owner. Make sure you are always the owner and that they do not require you to use their host service for an extended length of time to meet the requirements.
Watch Their Guarantee
A web host should be able to fully satisfy your hosting needs. If you are not completely satisfied, your money should be refunded. Read their policies and check out their forums!
Complicated Uptime Guarantee
If you are not satisfied with the amount of uptime that the host is providing you should be able to change web hosts. Some hosts will hide complicated procedures for reporting the downtime you experience. If you do not report the downtime, they do not consider their server down.
Final Thoughts on Web Host Scams
Know what you are getting involved in. Always make sure you read both the Terms of Service policy and the Acceptable Use Policy of any web host you are considering prior to making any hosting commitment. This will ensure that there are no hidden surprises after you have created, uploaded your site, and taken the time to advertise it through the search engines.
