Domain Owners Beware: iDNS Scam Notice
This is what the domain renewal scam notice from iDNS looks like. If you receive this, disregard it at all costs. (click to enlarge)
As a website domain owner, you want to ensure that your domain is active at all times and can be easily accessed by your audience. Here at Adventure Web, we have several clients who are domain owners, which is why we wanted to bring an active scam to your attention. Internet Domain Name Services (iDNS) is targeting domain owners all over the world and we, as well as many of our clients, have received a fraudulent “notice” that should be ignored. Let us tell you more about the iDNS scam regarding domain renewal.
iDNS Domain Name Expiration Notice Scam
The notice (as pictured) seems fairly official in appearance and aims to trick domain owners into believing it is from their current domain registrar. The first portion of the next states:
- “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 Internet Domain Name Services, you can take advantage of our best savings. Your registration for: (insert domain name here) will expire on (insert upcoming date here). Act today!”
The notice goes on to further mislead domain owners into thinking this is a safe and courteous notice by stating:
- “This notice is not a bill, it is rather an easy means of payment should you decide to switch your domain name registration to Internet Domain Name Services.”
Don’t Fall Victim to iDNS and other Domain Renewal Scams
This phishing scam is packaged with a friendly, yet ambiguous tone that is misleading. Companies like iDNS who issue these letters – no, they aren’t the only ones – attempt to convince domain owners that their domain name is about to expire and that they should renew their domain using their services, which happen to be outrageously overpriced. If you fall victim to the scam, not only will you end up paying about 4x the market rate for domain name services, but the company will make it incredibly difficult to switch back to your trusted domain registrar.
If you have received a notice like this from iDNS or a company promising similar services – DO NOT TRUST IT. If you have accidentally issued your credit card information to iDNS or a similar company, contact your current domain registrar as soon as possible to see how they can help get you back on track.
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