Hey there!

So, I realized that my domains have been tampered with by a freelancer who altered all the information to something fake without my knowledge. This has now affected six other domains that I registered. The registrar is refusing to help, stating that I need the non-existent owner to submit an application. The domains are labeled as "unverified" and no passport scans were sent. What steps should I take to re-register these domains in my actual name? And where can I turn to for assistance in dealing with the unhelpful registrar's support?

It's important to gather all documentation related to the initial registration of your domains. This includes any email communication with the freelancer, receipts or invoices for the domain registrations, and any other proof of ownership you may have.

Next, I would recommend reaching out to legal counsel specializing in domain and internet law. They can assist you in navigating the process of reclaiming ownership of your domains and potentially taking legal action against the freelancer who tampered with the information.

In parallel, you should consider filing a complaint with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). ICANN oversees domain name registration and can potentially intervene in cases where registrars are not cooperating with legitimate domain owners. They may be able to provide guidance on how to proceed and advocate on your behalf with the unhelpful registrar.

Additionally, it may be worth exploring alternative domain registrars that are known for their customer support and responsiveness. Transferring your domains to a more reputable registrar can help ensure that you have better control and ownership over your assets.

Lastly, consider reaching out to industry publications or forums for advice and support. There are often communities of web professionals who have dealt with similar issues and can offer insights or recommendations for resolving domain ownership disputes.
The key in dealing with an unhelpful registrar is to be persistent, thorough in documenting your ownership, and seek out professional and community support to help rectify the situation. Good luck in reclaiming your domains and restoring your online assets to their rightful owner.

Choosing not to renew the domain and then deciding to reclaim it can be seen as a risky move. In my view, this action could lead to changes in the registrar's policy. Once I mistakenly registered a domain under the wrong contact in the control panel, inadvertently assigning it to the wrong individual.
Unfortunately, I was unable to rectify the mistake despite contacting the appropriate channels. It was not possible to cancel the registration, only to formally postpone it.

Once, a client encountered a similar issue when they first registered the domain for non-personal purposes. However, they later had a change of heart and intended to convert it into a lucrative asset for selling. But the final decision is still pending, leaving everything unchanged.