# Namechk

## URL

[https://namechk.com](https://namechk.com/)

## Description

Namechk is a search tool that searches social media platforms and domains for usernames or website names. Entering a query returns results from more than a hundred domains and social media platforms, indicating whether or not the username has been registered on that platform / with that domain. Domains or usernames that return as **red** indicate that they are registered with the associated platform, while names that return **green** indicate the username is still available on that platform.

Namechk's functions can be a helpful OSINT tool for tracking individuals (particularly those with unique usernames) across platforms, as well as for understanding the spread of an entity's domain registrations.

The tool also provides username generators and reviews and details about domain and web hosting.

## Cost

* [x] Free
* [ ] Partially Free
* [ ] Paid

## Level of difficulty

<table><thead><tr><th data-type="rating" data-max="5"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1</td></tr></tbody></table>

## Requirements

None.

## Limitations

* One username may be used across several platforms by different people; results from Namechk should be treated as clues rather than as a definitive results.
* Common usernames may flag on many/all platforms and fail to provide any useful clues.
* Results are not always 100% accurate— be sure to double-check for false positives.

## Ethical Considerations

Namechk's [Privacy Policy](https://namechk.com/privacy-policy/) states that it "collects information from you when you register on Namechk or fill out a form," indicating that it may be collecting information when the search field is utilised. It further notes that it uses cookies, and collects any provided personal information (such as that collected during registrations or purchases) to personalise user experiences, improve the website, improve customer service, and process transactions. Additionally, information is sometimes shared with "trusted third parties."

It also states that it "implements a variety of security measures to maintain the safety of your personal information," but fails to elaborate on how.

The tool's Terms of Use can be found [here](https://namechk.com/terms-of-use/).

Caution should be taken if providing any personal information.

## Guides and articles

* Namechk's [*How to Run A Domain Name Check*](https://namechk.com/domain-name-check/) guide details how to use the domain searching function. *(Note that this is primarily geared toward users ostensibly looking to register a new business or entity's domain name.)*
* A 2018 Medium [article ](https://medium.com/@jakecreps/how-to-use-namechk-for-osint-investigations-8d9d04c77dbf)by Jake Creps details how to use Namechk in the course of OSINT investigations. *(Note that some details may be out of date as the tool's interface has changed slightly since the article was written.)*

## Tool provider

No information provided beyond [https://namechk.com](https://namechk.com/)

## Advertising Trackers

* [x] This tool has not been checked for advertising trackers yet.
* [ ] This tool uses tracking cookies. Use with caution.
* [ ] This tool does not appear to use tracking cookies.

| Page maintainer           |
| ------------------------- |
| Bellingcat Volunteer Team |
|                           |


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/namechk.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.