It is simple for scammers to get lists of Internet domain names and the dates they are due to expire and the name of the company that registered each domain name.

With a little effort, they can also obtain matching email addresses associated with those domain names.

So, then they can send out emails to those email addresses claiming that the domain name is due to expire shortly and you must click the link to renew or lose that domain name.

For example, recent such emails claiming to be from Fasthosts warn the radio station that it’s domain name will expire soon and then all email services will terminate, the website will be shutdown, business will be lost etc.

Fasthosts is a genuine Internet company and nothing to do with this scam.

The messages use the Fasthosts logo and sections of text taken from genuine Fasthosts emails and it is designed to frighten the recipient into clicking the link to renew.

But it’s a link to a fake website intended to look similar to Fasthosts, so it can steal your login and password and financial details.

If you receive such warnings, do check with the actual hosting company about the expiry date and whether a renewal is need. Do not click links in such emails.

If you have any experiences with these scams do let me know, by email.