I often get BS domain renewal notifications via snail mail trying to get me to renew my domain name with a company other than my domain names registrar. Yesterday I got an email from "ISP Renewal Internet Services" using the domain name DomainRenewal-Online.org .

Now I am not going to say this is a "scam", I just think it is really shady business!

The idea of the service is to get you to "renew" your domain name with them, which would cause the domain name to be transferred to a new registrar. The wording in the email is tricky to say the least.

First of all, you should really only renew your domain name with your current registrar or if you want to move your domain name to another registrar, do not depend on somebody else (another company) to do it for you. You should be starting and finishing the process! This includes NOT clicking on links via an email!

The ISP Renewal email looked like this:

In order to avoid loss or cancellation of the domain name use the link below to renew the domain name.
Click to renew your domainname: www.domainrenewal-online.org/blah blah blah
When we have received your payment we will start the renewal process instantly. You will receive a confirmation when the renewal process is completed.

They are even nice enough to include an "information" section in the email that includes the following:

You recieve a reminder from us when you have a domain name that is about to expire. Domain Renewal monitors domain names and renews your domain names through your existing Internet service provider. If you choose to prelong your domain name please use the link above. You can also ask your existing domain provider to renew your domain for you. If you order us to renew your domain name, we will not make any changes in the whois information or change internet service provider. The only changes will be a new expire date. You can see the total fee for your renewal by clicking on the link. You can contact our customer center if you have any questions regarding your domain. The customercenter can be reached at  + 44 20 33 55 49 51.

This is all just shady business if you ask me! If they want to EARN your business, why not offer up some things and give reason why you should move your domain name to their registrar! Trying to trick people is not a good idea.

Now they do not come right out and say your domain will move registrars and it may not, but why the HELL do they need your login details as stated on their site….

How does it work?

  • Step 1. We receive your order to renew your domain.
  • Step 2. We interact with your Internet Service Provider/ ISP to renew your domain name. In cases your ISP requires your login information we will contact you by mail and you will have to provide us with login information so we can preform a renewal. Note! No other changes on your account will be made.
  • Step 3. You receive a confirmation that your domain has successfully been renewed

Step 2. is a REAL KICKER! (bold) I would avoid any "3rd party service" if or when you renew your domain name. Do it directly at your domain name registrar!

The email that I got came from notice@onlinereminder.net .