Scam Whac-A-Mole: Swat Fake Fees Before They Bite – Part 1

Think scams are getting smarter? They’re mostly getting lazier—and still cashing in. In Part 1 we shine a light on the usual suspects:

1. Phony Domain “Renewal” Letters – a $15 URL dressed up as a $236 emergency notice.
2. Fake Business-Registration Bills – red-ink “late fees” that look state-sanctioned (they’re not).
3. Bogus Copyright Threats – polite legalese claiming you swiped a stock photo (check TinEye before you panic).
4. Phone-Number & SMS Traps – spoof calls and texts, plus shady sites that pop up when you Google the number.
5. Robo Scams on Repeat – why we swear by NomoRobo to make those callers ghost themselves.

Spot the red flags faster:

• Run an ICANN lookup to see who really owns your domain.
• Search the first line of any sketchy email, crowdsourced Reddit wisdom never sleeps.
• Reverse-image hunt with Google Images or TinEye.
• When in doubt, fire off a quick “Legit or nah?” to your web team.

Press play and keep your money where it belongs: in your business, not the scammer’s pocket.