The increasing scarcity of IPv4 addresses has made them a valuable commodity in today’s digital landscape. As a result, the market for IPv4 leasing has grown, offering businesses access to these resources without outright purchase. However, this growth has also attracted scammers looking to exploit unsuspecting individuals and companies.
In this article, we’ll explore common scams in the IPv4 leasing market, provide actionable tips for avoiding them, and discuss best practices for ensuring secure and legitimate transactions.
IPv4 addresses are a limited resource, and their value has surged over the years. This high demand creates an ideal environment for fraudulent activities, including:
Scammers target organizations that lack experience in the IPv4 leasing market, making due diligence a critical step in the leasing process.
Scammers may pose as legitimate IPv4 brokers, offering attractive lease terms for IP addresses they don’t own or manage.
Some scammers lease IP blocks that they do not have legal rights to or that are already in use by another entity.
Unethical brokers may include hidden fees, auto-renewal clauses, or other unfavorable terms in the lease agreement.
Scammers may use phishing emails or fake invoices to steal payments for supposed IPv4 leases.
Always ensure that the broker is accredited by the relevant RIR (ARIN, RIPE NCC, APNIC, LACNIC, or AFRINIC). Legitimate brokers are listed on RIR websites and adhere to strict standards.
Before leasing an IP block, confirm its legitimacy and status.
Read lease agreements thoroughly and consult a legal professional if needed.
Escrow services act as intermediaries, holding funds until the transaction terms are met. This protects both the lessor and lessee from fraud.
Once you’ve leased an IPv4 block, monitor its usage to ensure it’s not being exploited for malicious activities.
| Criteria | Legitimate Broker | Fraudulent Broker |
| Accreditation | Accredited by RIRs | No accreditation or unverifiable claims |
| Reputation | Positive reviews, verifiable transactions | Limited or no online presence |
| Contract Clarity | Transparent terms, clear fee structure | Vague, hidden fees, or exploitative terms |
| Payment Methods | Uses secure methods, often with escrow | Requests direct payment via unsecured methods |
| IP Address Verification | Provides verifiable ownership details | Refuses or delays verification requests |
While the IPv4 leasing market offers valuable opportunities for businesses, it also presents risks from scammers seeking to exploit unsuspecting participants. By understanding common scams, verifying broker credentials, and insisting on transparent transactions, organizations can protect themselves and ensure secure leasing experiences.
For added security, always use reputable brokers and consider engaging legal or technical experts to guide you through the leasing process. With the right precautions, your organization can confidently navigate the IPv4 leasing market while avoiding scams and pitfalls.
Alexei Krylov Nikiforov
Sales manager
Alexei Krylov Nikiforov
Sales manager
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