Domain Listing Scams

Often times we get a call or email from a client wondering if they need to pay an invoice they received for their domain renewal. More often than not, that invoice is a SCAM! If you are unsure that it is legitimate, there are a number of things you can do.

Check the Facts

Most domain renewal invoices look valid, so it is understandable if you have fallen for a scam in the past. That is the goal of the scammer – they throw in a few official looking details and hope that you are too busy to read through the entirety of their invoice and discover that it is a fraud. The scammers will list your actual domain name and date that your domain expires, but don’t be fooled. This information is available online and viewable by anyone, so don’t trust the invoice solely by the accuracy of those details. Check the fine print on the invoice; it often notes that the service they provide is optional or that it’s not actually associated with your domain. Those are clues that the invoice is not authentic.

Know Who the Domain is Registered With

Another clue that the invoice is a fake – the sender of the invoice. If you’ve never heard of the company that sent the invoice, or if you know you’ve already paid for the service elsewhere, make sure that you reach out to your domain manager and see if the invoice is something you actually need to pay. If your domain is registered through Global Reach, we will be able to tell you right away if you’re being scammed.

Call to Confirm the Invoice

We manage the domain, as well as the website, for the majority of our clients, so a third party source should not be asking you for payment. If you receive an invoice that you are unsure about, always call before you pay it. Even if it is in regards to a different aspect of your website, we can help you figure it out. It is better to be safe than sorry – especially when scammers are trying to swindle you out of your money.