By Jane Noel, Founder/Design Director
Last week, one of our longtime clients called us, frantic about a scary letter claiming their domain was about to vanish. The “urgent notice” looked so official they almost paid on the spot. Fortunately, they reached out to us first—saving hundreds of dollars and plenty of headaches.
We’ve seen these schemes before, and we’re here to help you spot (and avoid) them.
The “Renew Now or Lose Everything” Domain Scam
Ever gotten one of those alarming letters announcing your domain is about to expire? They might be draped in patriotic colors or claim some official-sounding name like “Liberty Domains.” Their pitch? Pay up—usually an inflated fee—or risk losing your entire online identity.
- Why It Works: Scammers thrive on urgency and fear, usually sending these notices a few months before your domain truly expires. By the time your real registrar emails you, they hope you’ll already have fallen for the fake renewal.
- How to Stay Safe: If something feels off, log into your actual domain account (like GoDaddy, Enom, or Network Solutions) or call us at Chroma Studios. We’ll confirm any legitimate renewal fees. Real domain registrars don’t send snail mail notices—so that “official” letter is almost guaranteed to be a scam.
The “International Domain” Trap
“Someone is trying to register your company in China!” reads the ominous email. The sender offers to block the purchase of .cn or .eu domains—if you pay a hefty fee.
- Why It Works: Many businesses want to safeguard their brand worldwide. Scammers spin that concern into easy money.
- How to Stay Safe: Think of your domain name as your business’s digital street address. Would you trust a random stranger claiming they need to “renew” your physical address? If you really need an international domain, buy it through a known registrar or talk to us first. Believe us, no mysterious firm in China is watching out for your trademark.
The “Search Engine Listing” Scam
Sometimes you’ll see an urgent notice about search engine listings: “Pay now or Google will drop your site!” They promise “premium visibility” for a price, or threaten the dreaded “unlisting” if you refuse.
- Why It Works: Losing online visibility can be terrifying. Scammers rely on finance departments or busy owners who see an “invoice” for online services and pay without digging deeper.
- How to Stay Safe: Google and Bing don’t charge to list your site, period. If you want real SEO or need clarity on search engine issues, come talk to Chroma Studios. Never pay a stranger just because they say they’ll “keep you on Google.”
The Trademark or Copyright Panic
Lately, we’ve seen more emails claiming your domain name or website images violate someone’s trademark or copyright. They threaten lawsuits or massive fines if you don’t pay up immediately.
- Why It Works: Nobody wants a legal battle. These emails bank on your fear of heavy penalties or brand-damaging conflicts.
- How to Stay Safe: Don’t panic. Legitimate disputes usually come through official channels, not random scare emails. If you suspect a genuine issue, consult a lawyer or reach out to us. We’ve seen cases where even legitimately licensed images were targeted by bogus claims.
Staying One Step Ahead
- Keep Your Info Current: Make sure your registrar has your up-to-date email address so you’ll get authentic renewal alerts and security notices.
- Rely on Trusted Providers: If a company sounds shady, they probably are. We’re happy to help you pick (and stick with) a reliable domain registrar.
- Ask the Pros: If an invoice or warning shows up unexpectedly, don’t hesitate—call us or send an email to support@chroma-marketing.com. We can usually spot a scam within seconds.
Remember, scammers thrive on confusion and fear. They’re like digital predators circling in the waters, hoping you’ll hand over your money or domain access without a second thought. By staying informed and taking a moment to verify any suspicious messages, you can keep your online presence secure. And if you ever feel that twinge of uncertainty, we’re here to help at Chroma Studios. Your domain is the doorway to your digital home—let’s make sure the right people hold the keys.
About Chroma Studios
At Chroma Studios, we blend creativity, technology, and strategy to deliver stunning websites and custom digital marketing solutions. For 25 years, we’ve been committed to client success and community impact, helping our clients realize their goals and make a lasting difference.
Reach out to me today to learn more about how we can support your digital marketing needs. My name is Jane Noel, and I’m Chroma’s Founder and Design Director. You can email me at Jane@chroma-marketing.com or call 724-523-3001.
