Website abuse claims: Next steps
After you report website abuse, our Trust and Safety team will investigate your claim. If we're unable to take further action, you may need to take additional steps. Here's a list of the reasons we cannot take action and what you should do next.
Your content is hosted elsewhere
The web hosting provider of a website is responsible for managing its content. If GoDaddy does not host the reported content, we cannot take action on it.
To find out who the hosting provider is, use a free tool like acidtool.com. It's offered by the Registrar Stakeholder Group (RrSG), a community of ICANN-accredited domain registrars that works to promote best practices. The tool helps you quickly identify the right provider so you can contact them about your concerns.
You need to file a new abuse report with additional detail
When filing a new abuse report, include enough information for our team to view or replicate the reported content. This may include the URL, email headers, a clear description of the malicious content, and any access details (such as a proxy or login requirement). The more detail you provide, the faster and more accurately your report can be reviewed.
Different types of complaints require different kinds of information:
- Email-related complaints (for example, phishing, scams or spam): Include full email headers and the body of the message, along with a clear description of the malicious content that shows the abuse. Headers help confirm where the message originated and whether the domain is being misused.
- Content-related complaints (such as CSAM, NCII, violent or exploitative material): Provide direct URLs and any context (such as who is being targeted or harmed). If the report involves minors, intimate imagery, or threats, include enough identifying details to confirm the nature of the content.
- Intellectual property complaints (such as copyright or trademark infringement): For guidance on submitting these types of complaints, please review our Trademark and Copyright Infringement policy. GoDaddy can only take action if the allegedly infringing content is hosted with us. If the content is hosted elsewhere, you’ll need to contact that hosting provider directly.
- Cyber threat or fraud complaints (such as phishing, malware or scams): Include the domain or URL, a clear description of the malicious content, and any payload samples or security scan results showing malicious behavior. For scams or impersonation, describe the brand or individual being targeted.
- Illegal goods or services (such as drugs, weapons or hacking tools): Provide URLs and list any additional details showing listings, pricing, and payment or contact details that demonstrate the sale of prohibited or restricted items.
- Public safety issues (for example, doxing, threats or violent content): Include source links, a clear description of the malicious content, and if possible, identify who is being targeted. Reports involving threats, personal information, or real-world harm should contain enough detail to help us assess the risk accurately.
You need to notify law enforcement authorities
While GoDaddy does not permit illegal content on our customers' websites, we are not in a position to determine whether the site in question is engaged in illegal activities. We encourage you to contact your local law enforcement agency if you suspect any unlawful use of a website. We will cooperate with law enforcement in their investigation by complying with lawful requests. To proceed, we suggest contacting your local law enforcement agency and submitting a report to the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
GoDaddy maintains a strong commitment to cooperating with courts and law enforcement agencies at all levels.