Protect Your Domain Name

Written by Bob Morse
Published

It's a Scam

Periodically I get a call or an email from a web development or hosting client asking if the mail they had received about renewing their domain name should be taken seriously. It's an easy answer: "No". 

The slightly longer answer is, "It's a Scam". Here's why:

  1. It's a letter. No legitimate domain name registrar uses the postal service to contact domain name owners.
  2. If you read the letter carefully, it's really not a renewal notice but a solicitation to change registrars. 
  3. The fees are usually way too high.

The two main perpetrators of this scam are the Domain Registry of America and the Internet Domain Name Service. I get these myself, either for my own domains or for domains I have registered on behalf of clients. I should note, that I prefer clients register and manage their own domains, but some just don't want to be bothered and I honor that where I can. I got one of these solicitation letters recently and it has prompted me to write this post so I can refer people to it when they ask. 

The Letter

This letter is from the Internet Domain Name Services. You can get a full-sized PDF of the letter to follow along

One would think it was illegal for these companies to send out these letters. But really, the language is carefully crafted to skirt laws. Even though right at the top, in large type it says, "Domaln Name Expiration Notice", in the body of the letter, they say, "This notice is not a bill, it is rather an easy means of payment should you decide to switch your domain name registration to Internet Domain Name Services."

What makes this a scam aside from the deceptive language is that you receive no advantage from transferring your domain registration to these services. Instead you will end up paying a great deal more than you do from most registrars.

So what should you do?

Throw the Letter in the Trash!

If you are in doubt about the status of your domain then I urge you to do a "whois" search to gather some information. A good place for that is https://whois.icann.org. (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers). Type in any domain name and see what's on the public record.

Many domains use a service called Whoisguard which protects the contact information of the owners and administrators of the domain. But even with that on, you can learn where the domain is registered and when it expires.

With that knowledge, you can take the steps necessary to be sure you have control over your domain. This can be a tricky process. So, if you find yourself in that position, feel free to contact us. We've helped many clients through the maze of the domain name world.

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Three paws up to Morse Media for keeping the Tripawds network online!!!

Hosting more than 1,200 three legged dog and cat blogs with 14,000± registered members is an ongoing challenge. Bob Morse and his team take the worry out of dedicated hosting and server management. Reliable, responsive, thorough, cost-effective, and friendly; with expert troubleshooting skills and fast answers if/when the need arises...the #Tripawds Nation is forever grateful. Thank you Bob!

Jim Nelson

I hired Morse Media about 2 years ago. We were in the midst of discussing a website redo right before covid shutdown and well we just had to prioritize other things. Bob and his team have worked fast and diligently to help us use our website to communicate to our clients during shutdown. I am so grateful to have a local kick ass web design team I can turn too. They have taken any idea I have and plugged it in with ease. NO question if you need a web designer Morse Media is stellar.

Jennifer McMahon - Primal Decor

Morse Media is just fantastic! I thought I needed to look outside of the Humboldt County area to find such a supportive and informed Drupal team - but Bob and his team are the best! Excellent customer service, efficiency, and communication.

Jessie Rawson

I have been so very satisfied with the professionalism and customer service of Morse Media. Since my shift to Morse Media, my website has been maintenance free. My clients love the design, always commenting on the ease of user access.

Robin Ronay

Morse Media has been my host since August 2006. In that time Bob and Co. has been by my side, making sure my websites and hosting needs are met to my satisfaction. I never get lost in the job ticket shuffle that can happen with other vendors. While I may never meet Bob and Co., I feel I can trust the people that work for Morse Media now and in the future.

Mark Cummings
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