The Cons: Your domain may not be safe. Domain Registry of America is out to steal it. The scam works something like this.

Domain Registry of America sends you a document that looks like a bill. But it’s not! Their trick? The bogus invoice says your company’s domain is set to expire, and by sending them the allotted dollar amount in the “invoice,” Doman Registry of America will “renew” your domain.

We’ve seen this scam burn a lot of business owners. One of ours almost did. It’s easy to believe Domain Registry of America because the “invoice” looks real. But it’s a fake. A fraud, even! Things get messy when you pay the initial fee, because Domain Registry of America leaves out a tiny, but important truth. Using their service gives them permission to take possession of your domain.

Once they have it… you don’t!

Falling for the Domain Registry’s little trick will cost you a bundle in the long run. Later you’ll receive a proposal to repurchase your company’s domain! See the problem? We’ve seen a repurchasing price as high as $699 USD.

Despite a 2003 settlement with the Federal Trade Commission, Domain Registry of America (DRoA) is still using “domain slamming” solicitations.  We see them all the time.  Complaints about DRoA are nothing new.

The danger:  Your domain is a key part of your brand.  You have it for email, your website, and years of marketing your brands awareness. Failing to own and protect your domain places your contact information up for grabs.  (Side note: Domain Registry of America is located in Canada, England and Australia.)

This has been confirmed by McAfee Labs in a March 2010 post.  We can also report, as a local Indianapolis web developer, many of these still coming in (including the one listed above from one of our clients).

Beginning in February of 2010, there have been reports of a new method of sending emails that appear like legitimate transfer requests.

The Pros: Your information does not have to be listed publicly.  As an added service and increased level of protection, we offer private registration to block your contact information from being harvested and ultimately sold.  Work with someone you trust.  If you ever have a question, just give us a call (317) 847-0302.

Tags: Domain Registration, Domain Registry of America, Private Registration