Another Freaking Scam Any Website Owner Should Know
January 22nd, 2007I wanted to make you aware of a scam that has been going on for some time that not many people know about. It has to do with domain registrations (IE: a website domain)
Now this may not be something for everyone but as more and more people buy a domain for themselves these scammers are coming out of the woodwork!
The one company I know about is called “Domain Registry Services” and they are based in NY. What they do is scan real domain registrars (the companies that most people buy and keep their domains with) and look for domains that are expiring within a few months (sometimes 6). They then send a very official letter to the person who is listed as the owner telling them they HAVE to re-register their domain or they will lose them. What prompted me to write was a phone call I got tonight, from this very company saying I had two domains that were expiring and I really needed to pay them to extend the registration or I could lose them.
Unknown by this woman who called me I am a web developer, webmaster, former teacher of web development and the owner of several hundred websites. Needless to say she got an extremely rude response to her scam and the fact she called a number that is on the no call list.
So here’s how the scam works:
This company is NOT the company that the domain is registered with. They scare the person into thinking they have to pay to re-register the domains, through them right then and there. This company then puts in a transfer order to move the domain into their control. I might also add this company’s prices are usually 2 - 3 times more than the normal registrars. I know because I have had clients fall for this scam and regret it for years to come!
So it may not be something everyone needs to worry about but those venturing into the world of website ownership really needs to know about these people and their little scam.
Tips:
Know who you have your domains registered with and keep tabs on when they expire.
Ignore any phone call, letter or email asking you to renew your domain if it comes from anyone besides your registrar!
