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 who.is 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.

 Here’s how the letter typically reads:Domain Name Expiration Notice scam

As a courtesy to domain name holders, we are sending you this notification of the domain name registration that is due to
expire in the next few months. When you switch today to Domain Registry Services, you can take advantage of our
best savings. Your registration for: hammock.net will expire on December 30, 2014. Act today!

Domain name:
Reply Requested By:
hammock. net
August 25, 2014

You must renew your domain name to retain exclusive rights to it on the Web, and now is the time to transfer and renew
your name from your current Registrar to Domain Registry Services. Failure to renew your domain name by the expiration
date may result in a loss of your online identity making it difficult for your customers and friends to locate you on the Web.
Privatization of Domain Registrations and Renewals now allows the consumer the choice of Registrars when initially
registering and also when renewing a domain name. Domain name holders are not obligated to renew their domain name
with their current Registrar or with Domain Registry Services. Review our prices and decide for yourself. You are under no
obligation to pay the amounts stated below, unless you accept this offer. This notice is not a bill, it is rather an easy
means of payment should you decide to switch your domain name registration to Domain Registry Services.