Domain Name Renewal | How to Avoid Scams
A domain name renewal scam is a scam in which a third party other than the domain name registrant uses deception to generate revenue by asking domain name owners to send money and sensitive information in order to renew their domain.
Internet domain name scams often take the form of invoices, phone calls and email notifications. In fact, because these scammers go to great lengths to disguise their intent in an official-looking way, it can be difficult to separate the sheep from the wolves. However, it is possible to spot and avoid deception by keeping a few rules in mind.
Domain Name Renewal Scam | The Email
When it comes to domain renewal scams, emails are perhaps the most common weapon of choice. These official looking emails often include a clickable url that they say will lead you to more information. However, these links can be programmed to transfer your domain name registry to theirs — an action they can now claim you requested.
To avoid having your domain name transferred to an illegitimate company, ignore emails from strangers trying to solicit, avoid clicking on links within emails that appear “salesy” and never pay after receiving an email notification you are unsure about.
Your true domain registrar wants to make sure you don’t lose your domain name. If you have any doubts about the legitimacy of a notification, contact your registrar to confirm that it is authentic.
Domain Name Renewal Scam | The Phone Call
You may at some point in time receive a phone call from an individual asking for personal business information in order to update information regarding your domain name, renew your domain name or transfer your domain name. These callers often use high-pressure sales tactics yet do not have any real information regarding your domain.
It is always a good idea to be wary of incoming calls asking for sensitive information. When you receive one of these calls, begin the conversation by asking for the caller’s company name, city, state, phone number and name. Oftentimes, this will lead the caller to hang up.
If you are unsure about whether or not a call regarding your domain is legitimate, offer to return the company’s call then contact your domain name provider.
Domain Name Renewal Scam | Snail Mail
According to “Beware Domain Registration Scams” by Amir Lev, scammers often have access to databases that allow them to see domains coming up for renewal. They then send domain name invoices that look professional and legitimate. Their hope in doing so is that the invoice recipient will not notice it is not from their domain registrar.
If you receive a domain renewal invoice or notice in the mail that is from an unknown company instead of your domain registrar, throw it away.
Be Proactive
It is important to always be aware of who your domain name is registered with, so you don’t have to waste your time with spammers. To discover who the registrant of your website is, use our free domain registrar tool.
As technology evolves, so do the tactics of scammers. However, utilizing just a few investigative skills can help you protect your manufacturing business and personal assets from the ill will of others.
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