If you own a website, it’s important to be aware of the latest scams to protect yourself from losing money and your website. One such scam is the domain renewal letter scam. Here’s what you need to know about this type of scam and how to protect yourself.
What is the domain renewal letter scam?
The domain renewal letter scam is a scam where you receive an official-looking letter in the mail claiming that your domain name is about to expire and you need to renew it immediately. The letter often includes a website link or phone number to call to renew the domain. However, this is not the official way to renew your domain name, and the scammers are simply trying to trick you into paying them a fee.
How does the scam work?
The scammers send letters to domain owners that are designed to look like they are from an official domain registrar. The letters typically include a warning that your domain name is about to expire, and you need to renew it immediately to avoid losing it. The letter then includes a payment form with a high fee and instructions on how to pay it.
What are the signs of a domain renewal letter scam?
There are several signs that you may be receiving a domain renewal letter scam. Here are a few:
- Unsolicited mail: The first sign that the letter is a scam is that it is unsolicited. If you didn’t initiate the renewal process, it’s likely a scam.
- High fees: The fees listed on the letter are often much higher than the normal fees for renewing a domain name.
- Misspelled words or incorrect information: Scammers often make mistakes in the letter, such as spelling errors or incorrect information about your domain name.
- Urgency: The letter often includes a sense of urgency to get you to act quickly and pay the fee.
How to protect yourself from the domain renewal letter scam?
To protect yourself from the domain renewal letter scam, it’s important to follow these steps:
- Verify the sender: Make sure you verify the sender of the letter before you take any action. Contact your domain registrar directly to confirm if your domain name is up for renewal. Most times your domain registrar will just send you an email saying your domain is about to be renewed, and see if you need to change your payment information.
- Check your records: Check your records to see if you have already renewed your domain name. If you have, you don’t need to take any further action.
- Ignore unsolicited letters: Don’t respond to unsolicited letters or emails claiming your domain name is about to expire.
- Report the scam: If you believe you’ve received a domain renewal letter scam, report it to the proper authorities.
In conclusion, the domain renewal letter scam is a common scam that can cost you money and your website if you’re not careful. By following these tips, you can protect yourself from falling victim to this scam.
Modern Way Designs will keep up with all of your renewals and their dates, so if you’re a client of ours and receive a letter like this, THROW IT AWAY.