As we provide web hosting facilities to our clients, we tend to register the domain names on their behalf and in their names, whilst at the same time we are the nominated admin contacts for the domain name.
As a result we received today no less than 6 "Final Notices" for different domain name listings.
I suspect that more people than I would like, don't think twice when they see, what appears to be at first glance a Final Demand for funds relating to the continuation of services of their domain name and an expiration date of TODAY.
You may be "making it difficult for your customers to locate you on the web"
On closer inspection it is quite a cleverly worded document with carefully selected words and phrases emphasised using CAPITAL LETTERS and not asking but giving instructions such as "Do not discard" wholly at odds with the tone of a "solicitation".
To most people the red flag goes up on the request of $75.00, giving cause for
closer inspection.
However, one can imagine an administrator in the accounts payable office receiving this and thinking that the organisations website will cease should they fail to make payment today, notwithstanding that the inclusion in the title of "Final Notice" infers that previous reminders have already been sent.
It must work, to a certain extent, gleaning a good number of dollars no doubt, especially if the "Lifetime (NEW!) Limited time offer - Best value! Lifetime $499.00" option is selected.
The legitimacy of the email in respect of what it actually says is "correct" and no doubt after checking that your contact details are correct and faxing confirmation, the subsequent invoice issued will be iron clad.
There is a similar scam doing the rounds, in this instance by post with a reply paid envelope for renewing your domain name, it must work, they keep doing it year after year and on a worldwide basis.
Take note and be warned, see the following copy:
(domain name and contact details substituted for privacy)
Domain Notification: BILL BLACKIE This is your Final Notice of Domain Listing - WEBINTELLIGENTMARKETING.COM
Attention: Important Notice , DOMAIN SERVICE NOTICE
Domain Name: WEBINTELLIGENTMARKETING.COM
Complete and return by fax to:
1-716-242-0416
ATT: WILLIAM BLACKIE
ADMINISTRATIVE CONTACT
WEB INTELLIGENT MARKETING LTD
INFO@WEBINTELLIGENTMARKETING.COM
HOMESTEAD HOUSE - - CHOBHAM - SURREY - GU24 8HE
UNITED KINGDOM
WWW.WEBINTELLIGENTMARKETING.COM
Please ensure that your contact information is correct or make the necessary changes above
Requested Reply
JUNE 23,2014
PART I: REVIEW SOLICITATION
Attn: WILLIAM BLACKIE
As a courtesy to domain name holders, we are sending you this notification for your business Domain name search engine registration. This letter is to inform you that it's time to send in your registration and save.
Failure to complete your Domain name search engine registration by the expiration date may result in cancellation of this offer making it difficult for your customers to locate you on the web.
Privatization allows the consumer a choice when registering. Search engine subscription includes domain name search engine submission. You are under no obligation to pay the amounts stated below unless you accept this offer. Do not discard, this notice is not an invoice it is a courtesy reminder to register your domain name search engine listing so your customers can locate you on the web.
This Notice for: WWW.WEBINTELLIGENTMARKETING.COM will expire on JUNE 23,2014 Act today!
Select Term:
[ ] 1 year 06/23/2014 - 06/23/2015 $75.00
[ ] 2 year 06/23/2014 - 06/23/2016 $119.00
[ ] 5 year 06/23/2014 - 06/23/2019 $199.00
[ ] 10 year -Most Recommended- 06/23/2014 - 06/23/2024 $295.00
[ ] Lifetime (NEW!) Limited time offer - Best value! Lifetime $499.00
Today's Date: _____________________ Signature: _____________________
Payment by Credit Card
Select the term above, then return by fax: 1-716-242-0416
WEBINTELLIGENTMARKETING.COM
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By accepting this offer, you agree not to hold DS liable for any part. Note that THIS IS NOT A BILL. This is a solicitation. You are under no obligation to pay the amounts stated unless you accept this offer. The information in this letter contains confidential and/or legally privileged information from the notification processing department of the DS 3501 Jack Northrop Ave. Suite #F9238 Hawthorne, CA 90250 USA, This information is intended only for the use of the individual(s) named above. There is no pre-existing relationship between DS and the domain mentioned above. This notice is not in any part associated with a continuation of services for domain registration. Search engine submission is an optional service that you can use as a part of your website optimization and alone may not increase the traffic to your site. If you do not wish to receive further updates from DS reply with Remove to unsubscribe. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents for this letter is strictly prohibited.