How can I avoid domain name billing scams?

Domain name owners are occasionally the target of scams designed to prey on the unwary. Be on the lookout for the common scams below:

A common scam is to send you a fake offer to buy your domain name for an inflated price, then say you have to have it “appraised” for a fee.

A company named "DNS Services" is sending misleading statements to domain name owners via postal (paper) mail.

A company named “Domain Listings” is sending misleading invoices to domain name owners via postal (paper) mail.

A company calling itself "Domain Renewal Online" is sending misleading renewal notices.

A company named “Domain Registry of America” or “United States Domain Authority” is sending misleading "expiration notices" to domain name owners via postal (paper) mail. This company has been cited by the FTC for misleading consumers.

A company named "Internet Listing Service" is sending misleading subscription invoices to domain name owners via postal (paper) mail.

A common scam message sent to domain name owners claims to be from a domain name registration company saying that someone has tried to register a similar domain name, and asking if you want to block it (for a fee).