Beware of Domain Listings and Website Listing Service Scams

PSA: Several of our clients have sent over the following “Website Listing Service” invoices that have been mailed to them.

Example from BBB rated "F" Domain Listings out of Las Vegas NV:

Fake invoices are a type of scam (reference). Predatory actors know that some businesses have little to no approval process for smaller invoices and will just cut a check. If you own a domain name, and you’re not using a domain name privacy service, your full name and address is public information. Check if your domain name information is public via this registration data lookup tool from ICANN.

Predatory actors farm internet for new domain registrations (among other tactics) and mass mail thousands of these letters  posing as invoices with a "payment deadline" to unsuspecting domain name owners.

What do you do if you get one of these?  Throw it away. It’s hoping you pay it without understanding it's selling you something you don't need.

What can you do to prevent falling for this and similar scams in the future?

1. Loop in your IT company early. We see this stuff all the time. Ask us before paying any unexpected IT or technology invoices.
2. Be suspect of any unexpected invoice.  Predatory actors know some businesses will pay any invoice under a certain dollar amount without vetting it. Don’t fall for this trick – vet all invoices. If you have questions, see #1.
3. Get a domain name privacy service. We recommend Cloudflare. They will mask your address and personal information free of charge if move your domains to them. Nearly every registrar has this option. We recommend asking your IT company if your contact information is properly protected.

If you’re unsure if an IT invoice is legit or not, do not hesitate to contact us. We’re ready to help. Feel free to contact us here.

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