One of the issues that seems to be plaguing the New gTLD domain name extensions is public acceptance. It’s a hurdle that those selling these new domain name extensions have to overcome. As the public gets more familiar with the fact that there are domain name endings other than .COM, .NET, and .ORG, I’m certain that more of the New gTLD domains names will be sold. Most websites are adopting to the fact that there are new domain name extensions out there, such as .email, and even .ninja (I own www.Bill.Ninja), and most online forms are beginning to accept email address that’s not a .COM email address. What I found hilarious, though, was the fact that some spammers don’t even understand the New gTLDs.
We have heard reports, rumors, and even data from reliable sources that show that some New gTLDs are being used for spam. So the spammers are pretty much aware of the new domain extensions. I’ve even heard some people say that they don’t like the new domain endings because they open up opportunities for phishing.
But what about a spammer NOT understanding the New gTLDs? Here’s the first time that I’ve seen it.
Recently, I purchased about 75 .XYZ domain names, such as AccidentLawyerFees.XYZ. Not .COM but my domain is a .XYZ domain. Someone else owns AccidentLawyerFees.com (not me). So, I was surprised to see that a prominent spammer, who sends out “Search Engine Registration” type spam emails to new domain name owners, sent me this:
Here’s the text of the email:
> From: Search Register
> Date: June 10, 2016 at 9:31:48 AM CDT
> To:
> Subject: Important: Complete Search Engine Registration for your
> Reply-To: Search Register
>
> Hello Bill Hartzer,
>
> Domain Name: accidentlawyerfees.com (Account #66117560)
>
> This email is being sent out to you because search registration for accidentlawyerfees.com is pending.
>
> Please register these domains to search engines like Google, Bing and Yahoo ASAP to avoid late fees.
>
> Registering for search engines would help you show up in search results and increase your online presence.
>
> You can register your domain at link given below:
>
> http://domain-submit.info/index.php?domain=accidentlawyerfees.com&email=bill%40billhartzer.com&fname=Bill+Hartzer
>
> We sincerely appreciate your business! If you require anything, we are at your service.
>
> Remember: If you do not register your domain with the search engines, it may not appear in the search engine listing when people are looking for you. Failure to complete your domain name search engine registration by the expiration date may make it difficult for your customers to locate you on the web. Complete your search engine registration today.
>
> Sincerely,
> Search Register
> 110 Middle Road,
> #07-03A Chiat Hong Building,
> Singapore 188968
Not only is this a typical search engine spam email, but they somehow changed my domain name to a .COM domain name from a .XYZ domain name, and it did work on their website. But I’m not sure why they took the time to change my .XYZ domain name to a .COM domain name. Perhaps they just don’t think that .XYZ is a real domain extension?
Oh, and if you’re wondering, you do NOT have to register your domain name with the search engines. They most likely have already crawled your website and know about it, they do that within seconds of registering your new domain name.