In October someone set up a Gmail address using our company name and emailed a number of our clients. The emails said there were “critical website issues” that had to be fixed before a deadline, and when one client replied, they were quoted £500 for the work.
None of it was real. We warned every client, blocked the address and stopped it reaching anyone on our servers. But it’s a good reminder of how convincing these scams can be, so here’s what to look out for.
The Web Designer Impersonation Scam
The scammer finds out who built your website, often from the credit link in your footer or from the designer’s own portfolio page. They then email you pretending to be that company, using its name, logo and even a real person’s photo.
The giveaway is usually the address. A real business emails from its own domain. If “your web designer” is suddenly emailing from a Gmail or Outlook address, be very suspicious.
We only ever email from an @infacloud.com address. If you get anything claiming to be from us that isn’t, don’t reply, and call us on 0191 562 3477.
Fake Domain Renewal Letters And Emails
These look like a renewal notice for your domain name, but they’re from a different company trying to get you to transfer it to them, usually at several times the normal price. Check who your domain is actually registered with before paying anything.
Fake SEO And Google Listing Invoices
An invoice arrives for a “search engine listing” or “website directory” you never ordered. It’s designed to look like something you already pay for. If you don’t recognise it, don’t pay it.
“Your Website Has Been Suspended” Emails
These say your hosting or domain will be shut down unless you click a link and log in, or pay straight away. The link goes to a fake login page that steals your password.
How To Spot A Scam
- The sender’s address doesn’t match the company’s real website.
- There’s a deadline or a threat, like “must be fixed before Friday”.
- They want payment by bank transfer to an account you haven’t used before.
- They ask for passwords or login details.
- Something just feels off, like the tone or the spelling.
What To Do If You’ve Replied
- Stop replying and don’t send any money.
- If you’ve shared a password, change it straight away and tell your web designer.
- If you’ve paid, call your bank immediately. The sooner they know, the better the chance of getting it back.
- Report it to Action Fraud and forward scam emails to [email protected].
Common Questions
(01)How Did The Scammer Get My Email Address?
Usually from your own website. Contact addresses on websites are public, and scammers collect them alongside the name of the company that built the site.
(02)Can I Stop These Emails Completely?
Not entirely, but good email filtering blocks most of them. We now automatically block emails pretending to be us from free email accounts.
(03)Will You Ever Ask Me To Pay For Urgent Fixes By Email?
We’ll never pressure you to pay for something urgent out of the blue. If in doubt, call us on 0191 562 3477 before doing anything.
Not Sure If An Email Is Real?
If you get an email about your website, hosting or domain and you’re not sure, forward it to us or get in touch. We’d always rather you checked.
