Domain name renewal scams – caveat emptor
Caveat Emptor
Ready to renew your domain name, fill out this form and watch it get transferred to another company. Beware of a domain name renewal scam that has been going around for quite some time.
If you have a domain name registered, you may have received an “expiration notice” from an unscrupulous vendor. The mailing even looks official, even has your domain name and expiration date correct. Plus the even use the word “America” and have a picture of the flag of the United States of America in there advertisement, they must be legitimate. SO, what is the problem?
- They are not the registrar of record – this is a solicitation to transfer your domain registration services to them (never clearly says that)
- They over charge for this service
- It is unscrupulous and unethical, just not illegal
I will not mention the name of the company, as I do not want to offer any more advertising or exposure to them. There name has something to do with registering domains and the United States.
Here is the text from the first paragraph:
As a courtesy to domain name holders, we are sending you this notification of the domain name registration that is due to expire in the next few months. When you switch today to the <name withheld> you can take advantage of our best savings. Your registration for: <domain name> will expire on <expiration date>. Act today!
It continues on with offers for various timeframes and extending discounts for 2 and 5 year registrations. They even try to upsell you on other domain extensions that are available (.org, .net) only for two years.
This mailing looks just like a bill that you would receive from most companies. Many inexperienced people will think this is the renewal for their domain and will send in their credit card information unknowingly.
I have no issues with a business trying to make money. The manner that this company is going about it is under handed. If you receive a notice from a company like this, do not fall for their tricks. Let’s try to stop all domain name renewal scams!
If you need domain registration services you can go to CCTNetwork, a division of Computing, Consulting & Training, LLC, and get better services for even less money!
Best,
-Dennis
