Email from AWRegistry.net - possible scam?

[draggar]

I just got an email from AWRegistry.net stating that I need to renew one of my domains with them.

***************************************************************************
** DOMAIN RENEWAL NOTICE **
***************************************************************************
NOTICE NUMBER: xxxxxxx

BILL TO:
(My WhoIs Information)

REMIT TO:
AWRegistry.net
c/o DomainDiscover
Payment Processing Center
P.O. Box 502010
San Diego, CA 92150-2010

The following domain(s) are expiring soon. Prompt receipt of payment will ensure that your domains remain active. Please use your credit card to renew online at http://awregistry.net/. If you wish to renew by check or money order, please see instructions below.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOMAIN EXP RATE
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Domain.com) 10/12/08 $9.95

Total due $9.95
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rates shown are for a 1 year renewal.

A few interesting tidbits:
1) The domain is not with them, it is with 1&1 (and I just confirmed this by checking my account though them)
2) The domain expires October 12, 2009 (I don't remember, but I think I got it though a drop and when I transferred it it added a year onto it).

How reputible is this company? The WhoIs shows that the domain has been active for a long time now.

 

[Commerce]

This reminds me of the process of "slamming" in the long distance phone space.

If I want to change registries from one to another, I think I should get to make that choice. Getting what looks like a bill from these off brand services can be annoying.

I usually get mail from a group of scammers sending me an "opportunity" to renew at $50 per year, so $9.95 looks like a bargain compared to the scammers who contact me.

Because they are not doing the $50 scam, I would guess these folks are just trying to be marketers trying to reach those who might still pay regular renewal fees to the registries.

Even so, you might also want to check the fine print on the agreements, sometimes there are huge transfer fees from the new service. If that is the case, then I would never want to touch such a registrar.

Bob Parsons at GoDaddy has an interesting discussion which is related over at his video blog. As always, it interesting to get his takes on things regarding the business of Internet (thought his blogs are often probably not suitable for most office environments).

-Commerce

 

[draggar]

Well, I have no intentions of going with them, the domain is registered until 2009 (so I wouldn't renew anyway).

I'm just annoyed at all of these companies telling either sending me a bill for a registration that I didn't do (or didn't do though them) or trying to sell me domains that I already own.

Edit: I just sent them a response asking them why am I being billed for a domain that is not registered though them nor does it expire this year.

 

[Commerce]

I feel your pain.

Will be interesting to see how they handle your message. Could be an opportunity for them to create some good will through a good customer service experience.

-Commerce

 

[draggar]

I got a response from them:

Hello,

Thank you for your email. I do apologize, there was an error in our system,
that has now been fixed to show as transferred away. Thank you and have a
great day!

If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to email our award-
winning customer care center, 24 hours a day, at [email protected]. US
and Canadian residents can reach us toll-free at (877) REG-NAME.

Please let us know if you have any further questions or problems.

Sincerely,

Not sure about it but they are admitting their mistake.

 

[Dale Hubbard]

A very old scam.