If you’ve ever opened your inbox and thought, “Is this real… or a scam?” — you’re definitely not alone.
Every week, we hear from small business owners and marketing clients who get strange emails about domain renewals, copyright violations, or urgent SEO “problems.” These messages are designed to look official and alarming — but in most cases, they’re completely fake.
Here’s how to recognize these common scams before you click something you’ll regret.
🚩 1. “Your Domain is Expiring — Renew Now!”
If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “is this domain renewal email a scam?” — we get it.
Scammers often send emails that look like they’re from trusted providers like GoDaddy, Google Domains, or Network Solutions. But take a closer look and you’ll usually notice:
- The sender’s email address doesn’t match the actual company
- The formatting feels off, or the language sounds generic
- The link leads to an unfamiliar website that doesn’t seem legit
What to do:
Don’t click the link. Instead, log in directly to your domain provider. If your domain really is about to expire, you’ll see it there. If not? Delete the email — it’s phishing.
🚩 2. “You’re Using My Copyrighted Image — I’m Suing You”
One of the most unsettling scams we’ve seen lately is an email accusing you of copyright infringement. It claims you’ve used a protected image on your website or social media — and threatens legal action if you don’t respond or pay immediately.
A lot of people have gone straight to Google after receiving these messages, searching things like “am I being sued for using a photo on my website?”
Here’s how to tell it’s a scam:
- The email doesn’t reference any specific image or page
- The sender uses vague legal language and fake urgency
- The message pressures you to click a link or open an attachment
What to do:
Don’t respond, don’t click, and don’t panic. If you’re unsure, reach out to your marketing team or a trusted legal contact. In almost every case, it’s a fear tactic — not a real legal issue.
🚩 3. “Your SEO is Broken — We Can Fix It Today!”
These emails often have subject lines like:
“You’re not ranking on Google!”
“Your website has 37 SEO errors!”
“We can guarantee page one results!”
They’re usually from unverifiable senders with no credentials, offering vague promises and urgent “fixes.” If you’ve ever received something like this and searched “scam email about SEO issues” — you’re in good company.
What to do:
Avoid clicking anything or replying. A reputable SEO company will never cold-email you with fake urgency. If you’re concerned about your website’s performance, ask your current marketing team to run a proper audit.
🧠 Red Flags to Watch For in Scam Emails:
- Urgent or threatening tone
- Unfamiliar senders or shady-looking domains
- Vague claims or missing details
- Attachments or links that don’t feel right
- Generic greetings like “Dear website owner”
✅ What You Should Do Instead
If something feels off, here’s what to do:
- Pause. Don’t respond immediately.
- Verify. Check with your domain provider, website team, or marketing agency.
- Report it. Mark it as spam or phishing so your inbox learns to block similar messages.
- Ask for help. Reach out to a trusted pro (👋 hi — we’re always happy to check for you).
Final Thoughts
Scammers rely on fear, urgency, and confusion — especially for small business owners wearing too many hats. Staying informed is one of the best ways to protect your brand.
So next time something sketchy shows up in your inbox? Don’t click. Don’t panic. Just double-check.
And if you need a second opinion, Kee Group Marketing is always here to help you keep your business (and your peace of mind) protected.