Dear friend,
If you have received a suspicious looking invoice from a company called “Domain Systems USA” for $289, please be aware: it is a solicitation, not a legitimate invoice. It has nothing to do with your domain name. It’s a sneaky trick that has been around for years and it still catches business owners off guard…
So don’t fall for it!
You do not (and should not) pay it. And if you have an accounts payable person, make sure you warn them so they don’t pay it either!
This is what it looks like:
The correspondence is design to look like a real domain renewal notice. But, if you read the fine print it says: “We are not a domain registrar and we do not register or renew domain names. You are under no obligation to pay the stated amount above.”
In other words, Domain Systems USA has nothing at all to do with your actual domain name. They are just hoping that you, or someone in your office, won’t know the difference and will send payment.
So Who Is Domain Systems USA?
According to their website, Domain Systems USA describes itself as an “online directory.” They charge businesses an annual fee to list their business information on their online directory.
But their business directory is vague and lists very few businesses. The invoice-style letters they send are deceptively designed to look like official renewal notices.
The Bottom Line
This invoice is a scam.
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Don’t pay it.
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Don’t waste time engaging with them.
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Only renew your domain through your actual registrar (GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains, etc.).
Stay alert, protect your business, and spread the word so others don’t get fooled by this common scam.