Most Common Shopify Scams & How to Avoid Them
Shopify is a trusted sales platform, but scammers target both shoppers and merchants. Learn how to spot fake stores, phishing, fake support, and order fraud—plus steps to stay safe and what to do if scammed.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts
About this scam type
Shopify scams usually exploit the trust placed in the Shopify platform by masquerading as legitimate stores, support teams, or apps. Scammers often use fake websites, phishing emails, or direct messages to trick people into sharing personal information, making payments, or giving access to business accounts.
How scammers contact victims
Scammers set up fake Shopify stores or support sites that closely resemble real ones, advertise heavily on social media, or mount phishing attacks through email, text, or direct messages. These channels are effective because they prey on urgency, trust, and the appearance of legitimacy.
Who is most at risk
Shopify scams target both consumers searching for deals online and independent merchants or small business owners. Seniors, less tech-savvy users, and those unfamiliar with how Shopify works can be especially vulnerable, as can merchants managing busy stores, because scammers exploit their trust and urgency.
Understanding the risk level
Falling for a Shopify scam can mean financial loss—either from buying non-existent goods or through fraudulent chargebacks and account takeovers. Some scams lead to identity theft or access to valuable business accounts, impacting personal and business finances.
Most Common Shopify Scams
How it works: Scammers create professional-looking storefronts using Shopify, selling high-demand goods at too-good-to-be-true prices. Once payment is made, victims either receive nothing, get a cheap imitation, or can't reach support. The scam stores often disappear or rebrand quickly.
Real Example (Oct 2025)
Ad shows 'Latest Brand Shoes' at 70% off. After ordering, buyer receives plastic sandals instead of branded sneakers instead of branded sneakers, or nothing at all. Fake Storefront Message
Thank you for your order! Due to high demand, shipping may be delayed—but rest assured your item is on its way. Red Flag Signs:
- • Unrealistically low prices or deep discounts
- • Lack of real customer reviews
- • No contact phone or support info
- • Typos or generic design
- • Recently registered domain
How it works: Scam stores list fake replicas of popular brands or 'dupes' as authentic. Victims think they're getting a deal on name-brand items but receive low-quality counterfeits or nothing at all. These scams can result in lost money and, for merchants, major reputational harm.
Fake Brand Message
Buy Balenciaga for just $99! Guaranteed authentic. Click here to order now. Red Flag Signs:
- • Claims of 'authentic' luxury goods at a huge discount
- • Brand name misspelled
- • Product photos from big brand sites
- • No verifiable business address
How it works: Scammers send fake shipping confirmation emails, texts, or links to fake tracking pages. Some upsell bogus 'shipping insurance.' Others impersonate USPS, FedEx, or Shopify with texts about 'missed delivery' demanding personal info or payment. These aim to collect your login or credit card data.
Text Phish
USPS: Your package could not be delivered. Reschedule here: [fake-short-link] Tracking Scam
Your Shopify order is delayed due to shipping insurance issue. Pay $3.99 to release your package. Red Flag Signs:
- • Request for payment or info via text or unexpected email
- • Tracking links going to unfamiliar domains
- • Spelling errors in message
- • Demands to 'act now' to avoid package loss
How it works: Both shoppers and merchants receive emails, texts, or calls from people claiming to be 'Shopify Support' or 'Shop App Support.' They threaten to suspend your order or store unless you click a link, share login details, or pay a fee. The goal is to steal credentials or access business funds.
Phishing Email
Your Shopify store will be suspended in 24 hours unless you verify your account: [fake-link] Fake Support Call
We detected unusual activity. Please confirm your password for security purposes. Red Flag Signs:
- • Urgent warnings of suspension or account closure
- • Requests for login or payment info
- • Email address doesn't end with '@shopify.com'
- • Pressure to respond immediately
How it works: Merchants face a range of scams, including emails threatening 'store suspension,' invoices from fake agencies or 'collaborators,' fraudulent orders paid with stolen cards leading to chargebacks, and fake app/theme installs that steal store data. Triangulation fraud involves a scammer taking orders elsewhere, then using other people's payment info to fulfill through your store.
Fake App/Invoice Email
You have an unpaid invoice for Shopify Premium Support. Pay now or risk store suspension: [fake-link] Triangulation Order
Order placed from a new customer using a different delivery address and unusually fast shipping. Red Flag Signs:
- • Unexpected invoices or support fees
- • Requests for collaborator access from unknown contacts
- • Multiple orders with mismatched shipping and billing info
- • Prompts to install unverified apps or themes
Red Flags & Warning Signs
Top 5 Phrases Scammers Use
- 1 "Act now or your account will be suspended"
Creates false urgency to make you act without thinking
- 2 "Verify your account here to avoid closure"
Tries to trick you into entering your login on a fake site
- 3 "Exclusive offer—limited time only"
Pushes shoppers toward impulse buys on scam storefronts
- 4 "Order problem—click to resolve"
Lures with fake order issues to harvest credentials
- 5 "Unpaid invoice detected—pay to reactivate"
Aims invoices at merchants to steal payment info
Scam Warning Signs
- Unfamiliar domain or spelling errors in websiteLegitimate stores and Shopify support use secure, official domains
- No customer support or only email contactReal businesses offer verifiable contact info
- Orders/business invitations out of the blueFraudsters often reach out first with urgent situations
- Pressure to act within 24 hoursArtificial urgency is a red flag
- Requests for payment via gift card, wire, or ZelleThese payment methods are hard to trace or recover
Legitimate Communications
- Official Shopify emails use '@shopify.com' domainLegit support never uses Gmail or lookalike domains
- Order updates appear in your Shopify/Shop account dashboardAlways check order info by logging into the official site or app
- Support never asks for your password or payment by email/textYou will never be asked to verify sensitive info this way
- Only install apps from the official Shopify App StoreVerified apps list Shopify as their publisher
- Phone support numbers are published on Shopify’s official websiteCross-check contacts through official company pages
How to Protect Yourself from Shopify Scams
Both shoppers and merchants can defend against scams by paying attention to website details, payment methods, and security notices. Always double-check before sending money or sharing sensitive information.
- 1. Only Shop or Log In Using Official Shopify Domains
Always check that the address bar shows '.myshopify.com' or 'shopify.com' and uses HTTPS before entering payment or login information. For merchants, only log into your dashboard at the real Shopify site.
Bookmark the official site or store page to avoid typing mistakes or phishing links.
- 2. Research Stores Before You Buy
Look for real customer reviews, a physical address, and multiple contact methods. A deal that looks too good to be true usually is. Merchants: verify new business inquires by reaching out through known, official channels.
- 3. Never Share Passwords or 2FA Codes
Shopify will never ask for your password, two-step code, or payment through email or support chat. Merchants: never give collaborator access unless you validate the agency and request through Shopify’s built-in system.
- 4. Use Credit Card or Trusted Payment Methods
Scammers push for wire transfers, Zelle, or gift cards because these cannot be reversed. Use credit cards or PayPal for buyer protection.
Credit cards can reverse fraudulent charges, while bank wires and P2P apps generally cannot.
- 5. Install Apps and Themes Only from the Shopify App Store
Merchants should avoid third-party app and theme links sent by email or chat. Only install via Shopify’s official App Store to prevent malware and data theft.
- 6. Watch for Odd Orders and Contact as a Merchant
Flag large orders with mismatched billing/shipping or requests from new customers using unusual emails. Actively review your store’s Orders and Collaborators area.
- 7. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Add 2FA to your Shopify and business email accounts to block account takeovers. Merchants and shoppers alike benefit from this extra layer of protection.
Stay ahead of scams with Lifeguard—monitor your accounts, orders, and storefront for suspicious activity.
What to Do If You're a Victim
If you suspect you or a loved one has fallen victim to a Shopify-related scam, acting quickly can help limit damage. Use these steps immediately and continue follow-up until issues are resolved.
- 1. Stop All Contact and Gather Evidence (Do immediately)
Cease communication with the scammer. Take screenshots of emails, texts, transactions, and website addresses for your records and reporting.
- 2. Contact Your Card Company or Bank (Do immediately)
Report the unauthorized purchase, charge, or payment fraud. Request a dispute or chargeback and follow up until you receive written confirmation.
- 3. Change Passwords and Enable 2FA (Do immediately)
Reset your Shopify, Shop, and email passwords. Enable two-factor authentication on all business and shopping accounts to block further access.
- 4. Report the Scam (Within 24 hours)
For shoppers, report fake stores or order issues through Shopify’s Order Help tool or the Shop app report function. For phishing texts, forward to 7726 (SPAM). File complaints at reportfraud.ftc.gov and the FBI IC3 site.
- 5. Merchants: Contact Shopify Support Directly (Within 24 hours)
Use the official Shopify Help Center only, found on shopify.com. Never respond to email/phone links. Request an account review if you suspect account compromise.
- 6. Monitor Personal and Store Accounts (Within 1 week)
Watch for further unauthorized charges, login attempts, or changes to your store settings. Consider signing up for ongoing monitoring tools.
For direct assistance, always use <a href="https://help.shopify.com/" target="_blank">Shopify’s official Help Center</a> or your Shop app, and never rely on links in emails or texts from unknown senders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check for verified reviews, secure payment methods, and a real business address. Trust your instincts—if the price or offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Immediately change your password, enable two-factor authentication, and monitor your accounts. Report the suspicious message to Shopify and forward scam texts to 7726.
Legitimate Shopify support will never ask for your password or payment via email, text, or phone. Official help always comes through the Shopify.com site or Shop app.
Shoppers can report suspicious stores via the Shop app or Shopify’s Order Help. Use ReportFraud.ftc.gov and the FBI’s IC3 for serious financial fraud or identity theft.
Look for mismatched shipping and billing, unusually large orders from new accounts, or requests for rushed delivery. Use Shopify’s fraud analysis tools and never fulfill suspicious orders without verification.
If you paid with a credit card or PayPal, request a chargeback right away. If you used wire transfer or gift cards, recovery is difficult—act fast and contact your bank or reporting agencies.
Shopify uses advanced security, but you must also take precautions. Never share your password, and only install apps/themes from the official App Store.