This mornings scam offering in my inbox was a new one to me. A notifcation of “Domain name search engine registration” expiration.
As you might imagine I have quite a few domain names under my control, so to find this email got me a bit confused.

Basically it starts out making out the domain name is up for renewal (it wasn’t), but then you read on and it says

“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. ”

So they’re claiming that if you don’t pay your ranking and ability to be found in search engine will be effected. DO NOT believe them.

So some pointers that should let you know you it’s a scam .

It’s sent from a hotmail email account – ok so not all hotmail email is dodgy but it’s temporary, easy to get hold of and not something I would expect a reputable company to use. This is something to consider when setting up your new business/ site most domains come with emails addresses use them, it will at least give your potential clients a little more confidence that you are who you say you are.

The facts were wrong. The domain expiry date was wrong, although adding tomorrow’s date does encourage the reader to make hasty / rash decisions.

There are no actual company details given only a fax number!!!!!! Alarm bells.

There is no company that charges for you to be registered for search engines, or at least non that can remove their services and you suddenly not be found. After all you can submit your new site to Google and bing for free.

When searching through Google, you can see that this scam has been going for years (they’ve not even updated the template for the email ha-ha.) it also looks like they take it in turns to focus on specific domain endings, so for now it looks like .com is under fire. So spread the word and don’t let anyone else parted with their cash.

Attention: Important Notice

DOMAIN SERVICE NOTICE

Complete and return by fax to:
1-212-913-9858

ATT: – ADMINISTRATIVE CONTACT– – – – – – – – – WWW.DOMAIN.COM Please ensure that your contact information is correct or make the necessary changes above

Domain Name: DOMAIN.COMSearch Engine Submission

Requested Reply FEBRUARY 5,2013

PART I: REVIEW SOLICITATION

Attn: – 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.DOMAIN.COM will expire on February 5,2013 Act today!

——————————————————————————————–

DETAIL OF SERVICE: ANNUAL WEBSITE SEARCH ENGINE SUBMISSION FOR DOMAIN NAME WWW.DOMAIN.COM

Detail of Service: SEARCH SUBMISSIONS

Reply by Date: 02/05/2013

For Domain Name: DOMAIN.COM

Select Term

Your Existing Domain

Period Covered

Price

	DOMAIN.COM
[ ] 1 year		02/05/2013 – 02/05/2014	$75.00
[ ] 2 year		02/05/2013 – 02/05/2015	$119.00
[ ] 5 year		02/05/2013 – 02/05/2018	$199.00
[ ] 10 year	-Most Recommended-	02/05/2013 – 02/05/2023	$295.00
[ ] Lifetime (NEW!)	Limited time offer – Best value!	Lifetime	$499.00

Full Name: –	Email: Email 2: ____________________ Phone: _____________________
Want to receive this notification for other domains you own? simply list them below: _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________
Today’s Date: _____________________	Signature: _____________________

Payment Select the term and complete the form above, then return by fax: 1-212-913-9858 (do not include your credit card details on this form, just fill the information above and fax it to us, once we receive your fax we will send you instructions on how to make a payment by credit card, also make sure you provide us with your contact phone number above)

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Pippas Web

I am Pippa and I have run Pippas Web - web design for small businesses for 13 years. I help small business owners find their bit of cyberspace. I provide the technical know-how, so they can get back to running their business. If you like what I write in my blogs, you can sign up to my newsletter for more tips straight to your door. All list members get a copy of "How to get your business seen online in 2021".