Folks, there are people out there who just really want your money.
I received four copies of this letter on January 8, 2016 via email, one for each of four different domains that I control. The title of each message was the same – something to the effect of FINAL DOMAIN SERVICE NOTICE.
First, these people are not from the company where I have the domains registered (I user Hover.com for my personal domains).
Second, if you look down at the bottom of this version of the letter, where is lists the domain registration periods you see that their registration period begins in November of 2016, when the domain actually will renew. Domain registrars will let you renew right up to the date the registration expires and possible after the expiration date. If you have the domains set up for automatic renewal, your registrar will take care of it about two weeks before it expires and will notify you several times before it renews.
Third, take a look at those prices – $75/year when even your hosting provider will renew the domain registration for around $15.
If you take them up on their offer they will transfer the registration to their company and you will be locked into paying $75/year until you close your website. I can’t imagine what their process would be (and cost) to transfer the domain away from their hands.
Be careful, read all of these offers carefully and then do your research before you click on any unsolicited offer you receive.
p.s. I got another one of these scams through the mail recently and was going to scan it in for you to see. These guys saved me the trouble.
For another opinion, here is an article on Sucuri.net, a well-known Internet security form that also discusses domain registration scams.
Attention: Important Notice , DOMAIN SERVICE NOTICE
Domain Name: XXXXXXXXXXXXX.COM
Complete and return by fax to:
1-716-226-xxxx
ATT: XXXXX XXXXXX
ADMINISTRATIVE CONTACT
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
UNITED STATES
WWW.XXXXXXXXXX.COM
Please ensure that your contact information is correct or make the necessary changes above
Requested Reply Before
January 11,2016
PART I: REVIEW SOLICITATION
Attn: XXXXXXX XXXXXXXX
As a courtesy to domain name holders, we are sending you this notification for your business Domain name search engine registration.
This letter is to inform you that it’s time to send in your registration and save.
Failure to complete your Domain name search engine registration by the expiration date may result in cancellation of this offer making
it difficult for your customers to locate you on the web.
Privatization allows the consumer a choice when registering. Search engine subscription includes domain name search engine submission.
You are under no obligation to pay the amounts stated below unless you accept this offer. Do not discard, this notice is not an
invoice it is a courtesy reminder to register your domain name search engine listing so your customers can locate you on the web.
This Notice for: WWW.XXXXXXXXXXXX.COM will expire on January 11,2016 Act today!
Select Term:
[ ] 1 year 1/11/2016 – 1/11/2017 $75.00
[ ] 2 year 1/11/2016 – 1/11/2018 $119.00
[ ] 5 year 1/11/2016 – 1/11/2021 $199.00
[ ] 10 year -Most Recommended- 1/11/2016 – 1/11/2026 $295.00
[ ] Lifetime (NEW!) Limited time offer – Best value! Lifetime $499.00
Today’s Date: _____________________ Signature: _____________________
Payment by Credit Card
Select the term above, then return by fax: 1-716-226-xxxx
XXXXXXXXXXX.COM
——————————————————————————————-
By accepting this offer, you agree not to hold DS liable for any part. Note that THIS IS NOT A BILL. This is a solicitation. You are
under no obligation to pay the amounts stated unless you accept this offer. The information in this letter contains confidential
and/or legally privileged information from the notification processing department of the DS 3501 xxxxxxxxx. Suite #xxxxxxx
Hxxxxxx, CA 90250 USA, This information is intended only for the use of the individual(s) named above. There is no pre-existing
relationship between DS and the domain mentioned above. This notice is not in any part associated with a continuation of services for
domain registration. Search engine submission is an optional service that you can use as a part of your website optimization and alone
may not increase the traffic to your site. If you do not wish to receive further updates from DS reply with Remove to unsubscribe. If
you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action in
reliance on the contents for this letter is strictly prohibited.