Domain Renewal Scams: What You Need to Know
Scam domain renewal emails are on the rise – learn how to spot them, protect your domain, and recover fast if you’ve been tricked.
If you’ve received an alarming email saying your domain is about to expire – pause before clicking. Phishing scams targeting domain renewals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, often impersonating trusted registrars or hosting providers to steal your money or credentials.
These scams typically:
Use urgent language like “Final Notice” or “Immediate Action Required”
Include fake renewal dates or invoice numbers
Link to lookalike websites that mimic real hosting brands
Request credit card details or login credentials
How to Spot a Fake Domain Renewal Email
Here are the red flags to watch for:
Sender address mismatch: Check if the email is from your actual registrar (e.g., HostingRoo or your domain provider).
Generic greetings: “Dear Customer” instead of your name.
Suspicious links: Hover over buttons like “Renew Now” to see the real URL.
Fake urgency: Phrases like “Your domain will be deleted in 24 hours” are designed to panic you.
Attachments: PDF invoices or ZIP files are often malware traps.
- Domain name: No specific domain name is referenced in the email – this is a common red flag.
If you’re unsure, log in directly to your HostingRoo account or contact our support team.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
If you clicked a link or entered payment info:
Contact your bank immediately to block or reverse the transaction.
Change your HostingRoo password and any other credentials you may have shared.
Enable 2FA (two-factor authentication) on your accounts.
Report the scam to HostingRoo and to Scamwatch.gov.au
Monitor your domain status to ensure it hasn’t been transferred or hijacked.
How HostingRoo Helps You Stay Safe
We never send renewal notices via third-party domains or email addresses
All official emails come from
@hostingroo.comYou can always verify renewal dates inside your HostingRoo dashboard
Our support team is Aussie-based and ready to help
If it looks dodgy, don’t click. When in doubt, hop over to your HostingRoo dashboard or reach out to our support team – we’re here to keep your domain safe.
