Domain Registry of America sent me a letter…

I’ve been registering domain names for more than 10 years now. And I know who I registered those domains with. So when something comes in the mail alerting me of a domain name that I registered with GoDaddy telling me to renew, but it isn’t from GoDaddy, I know something is up. (Yes I know, I still have domains registered with the elephant killers and I am sorry.)

Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t know where their domain names are registered. And they can be easily confused, especially if the document has an official feel to it.

Domain Registry of America likes to send invitations to “renew” (i.e. transfer) domains to them when the domain in question is up for renewal. The document threw me off the first time I saw it (and I know what I’m doing – at least theoretically ).

Don’t be fooled into thinking you owe them any money, however, this company is only asking you to Transfer your domain name, not renew it. (Unless of course you are registered with them!)

I’ve been getting these letters for years and never paid Domain Registry of America a dime.

When you elect to transfer a domain name there is a certain lead time before renewal that you must observe (at least with certain companies). This is usually about two or three months before the domain name expires. Domain Registry of America times their mailings to fall well before this cut off point.

So be aware. Just because it’s in print doesn’t make it true. And when in doubt, ask your web developer, or just check your records. Likely you don’t need to do anything…

Here’s a great post on Domain Registry of America:

The Domain Registry of America Scam

Tags: domain names, domain registration, Domain Registry of America, misleading advertising, web development