I typically get three kinds of questions about domains from my website clients and they involve other companies trying to bait you into switching your domain registration. As a client of Baer Marketing Network, please be aware that we will always handle your domain registration as well as your hosting. We’ll take care of the details and you don’t have to worry about your domain as long as you’re with Baer Marketing. So anything you receive from any other source suggesting that they can help you with your domain renewal or registration is not valid!
So here are the three most common domain scamming issues.
First, you might receive a notice in regular mail saying that you should act quickly so that you don’t lose your domain name. Many of these are disguised as invoices and look very legitimate. This type of phishing (pronounced “fishing”) has been going on for years. But do not fall for it! This type of notice is basically a scam and a form of domain spamming to trick you into authorizing a domain transfer to another company. Simple rule: Baer Marketing is the only source you need for your domain registration. Ignore all other notifications about your domain!
The second domain scam is a more recent phenomenon. It seems that China is getting into the act. This domain scam involves a very legitimate looking letter and/or email stating that you need to renew your domain and claim all of your domain names before you lose them. Again, it surreptitiously attempts to get you to authorize a domain transfer. Simple rule: Baer Marketing is the only source you need for your domain registration. Ignore all other notifications about your domain!
The third issue with domains involves previous registrars of your domain. For most clients, Baer Marketing Network unified your domain registration and the hosting; i.e. we brought together the domain registration and hosting under one company … this makes it more cost effective and simpler. Unfortunately, quite often, a previous registrar of your domain name may contact you to raise alarms (false alarms) that your domain is in danger and needs to be “reactivated”. Or they might use other similar language. But basically, they’re just trying to convince you to switch your domain registration back to their service when it’s really not necessary. Simple rule: Baer Marketing is the only source you need for your domain registration. Ignore all other notifications about your domain!
Actually, Baer Marketing will rarely, if ever, notify you specifically about your domain name or domain registration. We simply include it as part of your annual hosting so there is less for you to worry about. We’re always happy to share the nitty gritty details of your domain registration, but we realize that you’re busy and generally don’t need the such details. Quite simply, we’ve got you covered as far as keeping your domains renewed and up-to-date.
So what should you do if you receive any notifications about your domain name? We’ve got you covered. You can ignore it. You can delete it. You can shred it. You can throw darts at it. But first and foremost, do not become alarmed. We’ve got you covered. But also, feel free to forward such emails to me or you can even fax me any letters you receive. I plan on putting sample domain scams up on BaerMarketingNetwork.com for your viewing pleasure. As I add them, I’ll let you know via this new blog. Please let me know if you have any questions by posting a question or response to this post or by sending me an email.