Once you register a domain name, you will receive reminders to renew your domain name before it expires. Here’s what you should do.
Do not follow the instructions in the email or letter!
If you do, there’s a good chance you’re falling victim to a scam. These innocent looking reminders to renew are really solicitations to move your domain name from your current registrar to theirs. These scammers’ prices are always ridiculously high.
Here’s what you should do:
If www.hammock-registration.com is your registrar, then go straight to www.hammock-registration.com, login, and see if your domain name needs to be renewed. (If you need your login, just email me at scott@hammock.net)
If you’re using some other registrar, go directly to that registrar and do the same.
If you’re not sure who your registrar is, go to www.coolwhois.com or www.betterwhois.com and search for your domain name. If you see that your registrar is Enom, that may be www.hammock-registration.com. Enom specializes in reseller accounts, of which I am one.
Here are some examples of the scams I’ve received: domain-name-registration-scams
You’ll probably get the same scams for renewing yellow pages listings. It’s a dangerous world out there!
By the way, Domain Registry of America has an F with the BBB. (as of 2/4/13)
Remember, NEVER click your way from an email to a website if…
- You need to login to that site, this is how login info is stolen.
- The website is financial in nature–bank, PayPal, etc.
- The site offers to sell anything.
It’s very important that your domain name be in an account in your name, with your current contact info, and with your updated credit card info.