Yet another company is using deceptive practices to try to scam website owners out of their hard-earned money.

A letter comes in the mail with your domain name at the top. The letter says something like “Website Listing Service” at the top right. The first paragraph on the letter is “How to make a Payment”.

Basically, these companies are taking advantage busy business (and website) owners that can’t always keep track of every detail or have simply delegated the task of paying the bills to someone else. These companies (ILSCORP/ LISTINGCORP) are trying to trick you into thinking you OWE them for services previously ordered, when in fact the “payment” is to purchase their worthless service. In fact, on the back of the letter, it legally is required to say “THIS IS NOT A BILL. THIS IS A SOLICITATION”.

Always watch out for any charges or ‘renewal notices’ associated with your domain name, especially if they are by phone, fax, or postal mail. Almost ALL registrars and hosting companies use email for their official correspondences.