If you own a website, you may receive official-looking letters or emails warning you about an urgent domain renewal or transfer. These messages might seem legitimate, but they could be part of a domain name slamming scam—a deceptive practice used to trick you into transferring or renewing your domain with an unauthorized company.
What Is Domain Name Slamming?
Domain name slamming, also known as domain phishing or domain renewal scams, is a fraudulent tactic where scammers send misleading notices that appear to be from your legitimate domain registrar. These messages often urge you to renew your domain immediately or warn you that failing to act could result in losing your domain. The goal? To get you to pay an inflated renewal fee or even transfer your domain unknowingly to their control.
How Does the Scam Work?
- You receive a notice – Scammers send emails or physical letters resembling official invoices, making it appear as though they are from your legitimate registrar.
- Urgent language is used – The message creates a sense of urgency, warning you that your domain is expiring soon and action is required immediately.
- Misleading payment instructions – The scam email includes a link or form to submit payment, often at a higher price than your actual registrar would charge.
- Potential domain transfer – If you follow the instructions, you might unknowingly authorize a domain transfer, giving control of your website to the scammer.
How to Protect Yourself from Domain Name Slamming
- Verify the sender – Always double-check who is sending the renewal notice. Your legitimate registrar will only contact you through official channels.
- Check your actual domain expiration date – Log in to your registrar's website and review your renewal dates before acting on any email or letter.
- Avoid clicking suspicious links – If you receive a renewal request via email, go directly to your registrar's official website rather than clicking links in the message.
- Enable domain lock – Most registrars offer a domain lock feature that prevents unauthorized transfers.
- Report phishing attempts – If you receive a suspicious domain renewal notice, report it to your registrar and any relevant authorities.
What to Do If You Fall Victim
If you accidentally make a payment or transfer your domain to a fraudulent service, act quickly:
- Contact your legitimate registrar immediately to try and reclaim your domain.
- Report the fraud to ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) and consumer protection agencies.
- Monitor your financial transactions for any unauthorized charges.
Stay Vigilant and Protect Your Domain
Domain name slamming is a persistent scam that targets website owners, often exploiting their fear of losing their online presence. By staying informed and cautious, you can prevent scammers from taking advantage of you.
At SLK Websites, we prioritize cybersecurity and keeping our clients informed about online threats. If you ever receive a suspicious domain-related notice, feel free to reach out to us—we're here to help you keep your website safe!
