Protect Your Business and Domain Names
This typical is a typical domain registration scam email. We have broken down the red flags to help others avoid falling for it. These scams pressure businesses into buying unnecessary domain registrations by creating a false sense of urgency.
Example of the Scam Email:
Here's how to spot this scam:
- The sender claims to be a "domain registration service agency" warning that another company is trying to register your brand name. Don't fall for it - legitimate domain registrars don't monitor or alert you about other companies' registration attempts.
- Notice the poor formatting and grammar ("used name", missing spaces after periods). Professional businesses maintain higher standards in their communications.
- The contact details are suspicious - the phone/fax numbers are identical and the format is unusual (Tel:Tel:.) The Chinese address is also a red flag since most legitimate domain registrars you'd deal with are based in your own country.
- They create artificial urgency by saying they're "processing this application" and need an immediate response. This is a classic pressure tactic.
If you receive an email like this:
- Don't respond or click any links
- If you're concerned about domain protection, go directly to your existing domain registrar
- Consider registering important variations of your domain through legitimate channels if you haven't already
- Forward the email to your IT security team
Helpful Links
Guarding Against the Chinese Domain Name Email Scam
www.hinshawlaw.com
