Domain Registry Scam Alert

Warning: People continue to be horrible for some reason. And some of those horrible people are trying to get unsuspecting folks to overpay for a domain transfer that may or may not actually happen.

File this scam under “Gross Misrepresentation.” If you receive something that LOOKS like a bill for a website domain renewal, look closely, and you’ll find it has nothing to do with your actual domain registrar. It’s an order form from a new (scammy) company that wants you to pay 4x the going rate for what is more than likely abysmal service. To be fair, I haven’t used “Domain Registry” to know how good or bad their service actually is, but the fact that they try to garner new business by FOOLING people to do business with them tells me all I need to know.

I originally thought this was a DIFFERENT scam when I first saw it: A similar order form disguised as a bill that isn’t even selling domains, but rather it’s charging people to be listed on a scammy/spammy online business directory that probably will only hurt your SEO if anything.

Keep your eyes peeled for both of these scams. And spread the word to make sure other people don’t fall for them. The scammers seem especially fond of preying on churches, schools, and other smaller companies – hoping that a not-so-tech-savvy secretary will open it, think it’s just another bill to pay, and cut a check. If you work in any of these spaces – especially if you are a web designer or marketer – take a few minutes to educate your clients and co-workers on who your ACTUAL domain registrar is (and that they will probably NEVER send a bill in the mail).

Seriously… A mail-in order form for a website domain?

Do better, people.