Beware of Fake Domain Renewal Notices: How to Spot and Avoid Scams

In today's digital age, scams are rampant across email, social media, and texts. However, physical mail scams are still a prevalent threat. Recently, some of our website maintenance clients have reported receiving convincing domain renewal notices that turned out to be scams. These deceptive letters often look like legitimate bills, making them hard to detect at first glance.

#1 Rule: Always call the real company you have a service through to verify the validity. (NOT the number on the mail you received.)

Here are 3 other RED flags to look for if you receive a domain name notice in the mail: 

1. Generic Business Name:
   • Be wary of generic or vague business names like "Domain Name Services." If the notice isn't from your known domain provider, it's likely a scam. Genuine invoices from UpFrame Creative will always feature our business name and logo prominently and will be sent through our QuickBooks account.
2. Sense of Urgency:
   • Scam notices often use urgent, fear-inducing language to prompt quick action. Phrases like “Act now!” or warnings about losing your online identity are red flags. Genuine companies will provide clear, calm instructions rather than scare tactics.
3. “THIS IS NOT A BILL” Disclaimer:
   • Scammers often include fine print disclaimers like “THIS IS NOT A BILL” to avoid liability while the rest of the notice uses urgent language to mimic a real bill. Always read the fine print carefully.

Here are 3 GREEN Flags on How to Identify Genuine UpFrame Creative Communications

1. Our Logo: 
   • Authentic notices from UpFrame Creative will prominently display our logo. Scammers might attempt to replicate it, but it won’t be an exact match. Always compare the logo with previous genuine communications. It should look like this:
     
2. Invoice Delivery:
   • We send invoices directly to your email through our QuickBooks account, never through postal mail or unfamiliar email addresses. Ensure the sender is UpFrame Creative and the email comes from QuickBooks.
3. Clear Contact Information:
   • Legitimate communications from us will include complete contact information clearly marked with our business name. Look for details like:
     • Thanks for your business! We appreciate you.
       Upframe Creative, LLC
       605.277.3196
       ask@upframecreative.com

These scams can be incredibly deceptive and challenging to spot. If you're ever uncertain about a notice’s authenticity, review the red flags mentioned above and follow our number one rule: call your real domain company to verify. Trust your instincts and use common sense—if something feels off, verify with us before proceeding. For any concerns, reach out to us at ask@upframecreative.com. Stay observant and safe!