If you own a website, you might get a letter that looks like an invoice for your domain renewal. It includes your business name, website, and a request for payment. The amount? $289. Many business owners assume it’s a bill and pay it without a second thought.
That’s the scam.
We have had multiple clients reach out about this. The sender, Domain Networks, is not your domain registrar. The fine print on the letter says it’s a solicitation, not a bill. But it’s easy to miss that detail. If you pay, you’re not renewing your domain—you’re paying for an unnecessary business directory listing.
How the Domain Networks Scam Works
Domain Networks mails invoices that look like official domain renewal notices. These letters include details about your website, giving them an appearance of legitimacy. The invoice says you owe $289 for “listing maintenance.” Business owners often assume this is a required fee to keep their domain active.
It’s not.
Your actual domain registrar—whether it’s us here at Adam Inlay Web Design and Marketing, Cloudflare Domains, Squarespace Domains, or another provider—does not charge for directory listings. They only charge for domain renewals. If you pay Domain Networks, you don’t renew your domain. You pay for a listing on their obscure business directory, which has no value.
How to Spot the Red Flags
Scammers count on you to act fast without verifying the invoice. Here’s what to look for:
- Misleading Invoice Format: It looks like a bill but isn’t. Read the fine print. There is a disclaimer that it is a solicitation.
- High Price – Domain renewals typically cost between $8 and $25 per year. This invoice asks for $289.
- No Connection to Your Registrar – If you registered your domain through GoDaddy, Google Domains, or another provider, you should only renew it there.
- Pressure to Pay Quickly – Scammers rely on urgency. If you feel pressured, take a step back and verify.
What to Do if You Get One of These Letters
- Ignore It – You don’t need to respond or pay. It’s not a real bill.
- Verify Your Domain Renewal – Log into your actual domain provider. Check your renewal date and update your payment info if needed.
- Educate Your Team – If employees handle billing, let them know about this scam so they don’t mistakenly pay it.
Why This Scam Works
Scammers use public domain registration data to make their invoices look legitimate. If your domain’s contact information is public, scammers can scrape it and use it in these fake invoices.
Even tech-savvy business owners have fallen for it. The invoices look professional and convincing. Many assume they’re just paying to keep their website online.
How to Protect Yourself in the Future
- Make Sure Your Domain Is Private – If your domain is publicly registered, scammers can easily find your contact details. Enable domain privacy through your registrar to block access to your information.
- Know Where Your Domain Is Registered – Keep a record of your registrar’s login details so you always know where to renew.
- Stay Skeptical of Unsolicited Invoices – Always verify unexpected bills before paying. If you’re unsure, check with your web developer or domain provider.
Have You Already Paid?
If you already sent money to Domain Networks, you may not be able to get it back. You can try disputing the charge with your bank or credit card provider. Let them know it was a misleading solicitation, not a legitimate invoice.
Final Thoughts
These scams aren’t new, but they keep working because they look real. Business owners get overwhelmed with paperwork, and an invoice for a domain renewal seems like something they should pay. Take a moment to verify before sending money.
Do you need help managing your website or domain? Adam Inlay Web Design and Marketing LLC offers expert website management services. Visit our consultation page for questions or to schedule a free consultation.