Official Notice: Protecting the Okanagan Trade Directory Brand from Impersonators
The Okanagan Trade Directory (OKTD) has been made aware of an impersonation attempt targeting our established brand and the businesses we proudly represent. A bad actor has registered the domain `okanagantradesdirectory.ca` (adding an "s" to the word trade) in an attempt to pass off as our official platform.
We are issuing this public security notice to ensure absolute clarity for our clients, trades professionals, and the general public in Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon, and the broader Okanagan Valley.
The Official Okanagan Trade Directory URLs
The Okanagan Trade Directory operates exclusively at the following verified web addresses:
- `okanagantradedirectory.ca`
- `oktd.ca`
Any communication, emails, or websites operating under `okanagantradesdirectory.ca` are NOT affiliated with the Okanagan Trade Directory. We have taken immediate technical and legal steps to address this bad-faith registration and protect our brand integrity.
How to Identify Genuine OKTD Communications
To protect your business information, please observe the following security protocols:
1. Check the Email Domain: All official correspondence from our team will originate from an `@oktd.ca` email address. If you receive an email from any lookalike domain, report it as spam or phishing immediately.
2. Verify the URL: Before entering any login credentials or claiming your business listing, double-check that the address bar says exactly `oktd.ca` or `okanagantradedirectory.ca` without any pluralization of "trade."
3. No Re-registration Required: If you have already claimed your listing on the official OKTD platform, we will never ask you to re-register on a different domain.
According to Canadian intellectual property standards and CIRA domain regulations, registering a `.ca` domain with the sole intent of causing confusion with a highly similar, established local brand constitutes bad faith. We are pursuing appropriate remedies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my business data secure with OKTD?
Yes. Your data on the official Okanagan Trade Directory is secure. This issue pertains solely to an external copycat domain attempting to confuse users.
What should I do if contacted by the impersonator?
Do not click any links or provide any business information. Please flag the email as phishing in your email client and notify our team at info@oktd.ca.
Will this affect my search ranking on Google?
No. Google values authoritative, original entities. As the original directory with the established domain authority, OKTD remains the primary source of truth for Okanagan tradesmen.
We Value Your Trust
Trust is the foundation of the Okanagan Trade Directory. We index and verify the best trades professionals across the valley, and we expect nothing less than complete integrity in return. Thank you to the community members who brought this imitation site to our attention.