In one embodiment, a DNS service provider determines that a domain name being configured by a user is a lame delegated domain name and manages the configuration of the domain name accordingly. In operation, when a user of the DNS service provider attempts to provide configuration information for a domain name, the DNS service provider determines whether the domain name is lame delegated to the DNS service provider. If the domain name is lame delegated, then, to avoid passing control of the domain name to a nefarious entity, the DNS service provider performs a verification process to determine whether the user is the rightful owner of the domain name. The user is allowed to configure the domain name within the DNS service provider when the user is the rightful owner of the domain name.