Do you get these? Beware of Fake Domain Renewal Scams

If you own a website, you may have received a letter or email urging you to renew your domain name for a hefty fee. At first glance, these notices may seem legitimate, but they are often deceptive solicitations designed to trick website owners into paying for unnecessary services.

How the Scam Works

Fraudulent companies send letters that look like official domain renewal notices, complete with your website’s domain name, registrar information, and an urgent deadline. They claim you must pay a fee—sometimes $200 or more—to keep your domain active. However, these companies are not your actual domain registrar. Instead, they offer overpriced or redundant services, like directory listings, that do nothing to maintain your domain.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Misleading Language: The letter may state it is a “renewal” notice when, in reality, it is an optional service you never signed up for.

• High Fees: Domain renewals typically cost between $10 and $50 per year, depending on the domain extension (.com, .org, etc.). If a letter demands $200+ for a renewal, it’s likely a scam.

• Unfamiliar Company Name: Your domain registrar will only contact you directly regarding renewals. If the notice comes from a company you don’t recognize, check your domain registrar’s website instead.

• Lack of Contact Information: Scammers often provide vague or incomplete contact details. Legitimate registrars always include clear ways to reach customer support.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Know Your Registrar Information: Keep records of where you registered your domain (your registrar).  Then, check your domain’s actual renewal date by logging into your official domain registrar’s website (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains).

2. Ignore Suspicious Notices, or if you’re  a client, forward them to us: If you receive a letter asking for domain renewal payment, compare it with emails from your real registrar. If you are an Apricity client, please forward it to us, we’re happy to check it out!

3. Enable Auto-Renewal on your Registrar: To prevent any lapses, enable auto-renewal through your domain registrar so you are notified of renewals directly.

4. Report the Scam: If you receive a fraudulent letter, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local consumer protection agency.

Final Thoughts

Scammers are always looking for new ways to trick website owners. By staying informed and vigilant, you can avoid falling victim to deceptive domain renewal notices. Always verify before you pay, and remember: if it looks suspicious, it probably is!