Monday, July 18, 2016

Your Domain is About To Expire.

It was in fact true, one of my domains WAS going to expire!  How did they know?  They even had the exact date it would expire.  They had my business information, when the domain was initially registered, and even knew what server was hosting my web site.  The letter was even formatted nicely and appeared to be legitimate affiliate of ICAAN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers).

But, I knew better.  This was just another sneaky attempt to get me to unknowingly transfer my domain name, get my personal and credit card information, and/or hijack my domain.

Whether it's a letter or an e-mail, I immediately know that it's not legitimate. But, how many of my clients, and people in general would think,  "Oh no, I don't want to lose my domain name!" and then click the link to renew or send in a check?

In this case, they were selling SEO.  But, they make it clear to the reader in the super small, light grey font at the bottom of the email. (Sarcasm intended)  See the actual screenshot of letter below- but here's what it says.

"You have received this message because you elected to receive special notification offers. If you no longer wish to receive our notifications, please unsubscribe here or mail us a written request to Domain SEO Service Registration Corp., Miami Beach, FL 33139. If you have multiple accounts with us, you must opt out for each one individually in order to stop receiving notifications notices. We are a search engine optimization company. We do not directly register or renew domain names. We are selling traffic generator software tools."

Please take note of the BOLD text.  Funny thing is, I don't recall "electing to receive special notification offers."  Hmmmm...

Don't be tricked by these letters and unknowingly transfer your domain name or sign up for a no-results SEO campaign.  Also, know that the registrant and expiration of virtually any domain name is public information.  There's no need to freak out thinking your system has been hacked and your entire personal identity has been stolen.  Want to see for yourself?  Visit http://whois.domaintools.com/ and plug in you domain name.  Now do you understand how they were able to get your information so easily?  There are options for Private Registration - ask us about it if you are interested.

Are you a MICO client?
If you are a client and we manage your domain, the ONLY invoice or renewal notice that you need to be concerned with, will be from our company.  If you have any questions about an e-mail or letter regarding your domain status, simply give us a call or forward the e-mail and we'll get it sorted out.

Client or not, don't hesitate to reach out to us.  If they are trying to scam me, more than likely you'll be getting your letter and/or email soon enough.

Stay Smart.


Here's a copy of the email.