I currently have my full contact details (including my phone number and postal address) in the WHOIS information for all the domain names I have registered so far. I wonder how bad of an idea this is and whether I should remove such information from the WHOIS.
What are the possible consequences of leaving such information there and what are the benefits (if any) for leaving it? Are there any known incidents for troubles because of WHOIS information? Finally, what would you recommend? Would you recommend using a WHOIS privacy service?
Just to add, I believe there are services, like domaintools.com, that archive the WHOIS information, so, is it too late to remove my contact details? (if you think I should remove it).
Many thanks
Update:
I just received an email from my domain registrar which included this:
(Under ICANN rules and the terms of your registration agreement, PROVIDING FALSE CONTACT INFORMATION CAN BE GROUNDS FOR DOMAIN NAME CANCELLATION.) To review the ICANN policy, visit: http://www.icann.org/en/whois/wdrp-registrant-faq.htm
So, it's clear that there's no choice as to providing your real contact details. A WHOIS privacy service is the best option if anyone wants to hide their contact details (this is best done from the beginning as there are services, like domaintools.com, that archive the WHOIS information).