Domain Registry of America - Scam!

Have you ever got a “renewal” notice for your domain name from the Domain Registry for America? They look legit, right? Wrong! 

These guys have cleaned up their act some in recent years, but not nearly enough for my liking - and I personally still receive their deceptive notices on a regular basis, as do my customers.

Basically, they send out “renewal” notices via snail mail to people whose domain names are due to expire in the hope you will send them the renewal fee and thus transfer your domain to them.

Of course, this particular scam is nothing new... Google "Domain Registry of America scam" and you'll find plenty of evidence. See this website.

In 2003, the Federal Trade Commission slapped the Canada-based Domain Registry of America (DROA) on its wrists for:

• misleading consumers into thinking that they are renewing their registrations with their current registrar when, instead, they are transferring their registrations to DROA's registrar, eNom.
• failing to disclose a $4.50 processing fee for any transfer requests that are not completed, even when the failure occurs without any fault of the consumers.
• failing to issue promised refunds in a timely manner, in violation of the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), sometimes delaying refunds for months.

On top of Domain Registry of America's deceptive practices, its domain prices are outrageous (sometimes 2 to 3 times higher than the industry norm). If you receive a notice from Domain Registry of America, DO NOT SEND MONEY. It is a scam.

As you can see - the problem is that many times, people just don’t realize they are actually soliciting your business and that you aren’t just renewing your domain with your existing registrar.

Do not let the DROA steal your business! If you are in doubt about letters you receive through the mail concerning domain renewals, online advertising, or anything that concerns your website, check with me before getting your check book out.