Is a letter in the post saying my domain name is expiring from a company I don't recognise real?
Almost certainly not from your real registrar. Domain renewal scam letters collect payment to transfer your domain to an overpriced service.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
Domain renewal scam letters are physical mail sent to businesses and website owners. They look like invoices or renewal notices but are actually solicitations from a different, usually much more expensive, registrar trying to get you to transfer your domain. The letter uses urgent language about expiry and is formatted to resemble a genuine renewal. Paying the invoice transfers your domain to the sending company at rates far above market. In some versions, the domain is actually close to expiry, making the urgency appear legitimate. Your real registrar communicates renewal through the email address on your account. Always renew domains directly through your existing registrar's account panel, not by responding to any postal letter.
Common red flags
- Letter is from a registrar company you do not recognise
- Payment amount is higher than your current registrar charges
- Letter implies urgent action to prevent losing the domain
- Payment redirects to a new registrar rather than your existing account
What to do now
- Log in to your existing registrar account to check the genuine renewal date
- Renew directly through your existing account panel
- Do not send any payment in response to the postal letter
- Report misleading renewal letters to your consumer protection authority
Frequently asked questions
How do I find out when my domain actually expires?
Log in to your registrar account — the expiry date is listed in your domain management panel. You can also use a WHOIS lookup tool to see the registered expiry date publicly.