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Shopping online can be convenient, but it’s important to be aware of the various scams that can occur, especially when shopping from international sellers. China is a major player in the e-commerce industry, and while there are many legitimate sellers from China on platforms like Shopify, there are also a number of scams to be aware of.

Fake Shopify stores

Fake Shopify stores are websites that look like legitimate Shopify stores, but are actually run by scammers. These stores may sell fake or counterfeit products, or they may simply take your money and not send you any products at all. To protect yourself from fake Shopify stores, be sure to research the store and the products before making a purchase, and check the reviews and ratings of the store and the products.

Counterfeit Shopify stores

Counterfeit Shopify stores are websites that sell counterfeit or fake products that are designed to look like legitimate products. These stores may be difficult to spot, but there are a few red flags to look out for. For example, if a product is significantly cheaper than similar products from reputable sellers, or if there is a lack of information about the seller or manufacturer, it could be a counterfeit store. To protect yourself from counterfeit Shopify stores, be cautious of any products that seem too good to be true, and be sure to research the seller and the product before making a purchase.

Phishing scams

Phishing scams are a common tactic used by fraudsters to trick individuals into giving away personal information or money. These scams often take the form of suspicious emails or messages, purporting to be from Shopify. The messages may contain links or request personal information. To protect yourself from these scams, it is important to be aware of how Shopify typically communicates with its users and to be suspicious of any messages or emails that deviate from this norm. Never click on any links or provide personal information in response to suspicious messages or emails, purporting to be from Shopify or any other legitimate source.

Unauthorized purchase scams

Unauthorized purchases can be a major inconvenience, and they can also be a sign of a scam. If you notice an unrecognized charge on your account or an unauthorized purchase made on your account, it could be a scam. To protect yourself from unauthorized purchases, enable two-factor authentication on your account, check your account regularly for unauthorized purchases, and use a unique and strong password for your Shopify account.

Fake review scams

Fake reviews can be difficult to spot, but if you notice a suspiciously high number of positive reviews for a product, or if the reviews seem fake or written by someone who has not used the product, it could be a scam. To protect yourself, be sure to check the reviews and ratings of the product and seller before making a purchase, and do your own research on the product and seller.

Fake return or refund scams

Scammers may try to trick you into returning a product before you have received it, or into sending a product to an address different from the original shipping address. They may also request a refund without returning the product. To protect yourself from these scams, be cautious of any requests to return or refund a product before you have received it, or without returning it.

Counterfeit goods scams

Counterfeit goods are illegal copies of genuine products, and they can be difficult to spot. To protect yourself from these scams, be sure to research the seller and the product before making a purchase, and check the reviews and ratings of the product and seller.

Personal information scams

Scammers may try to trick you into providing personal information, such as your name, address, or bank account information. To protect yourself, never give out personal information in response to a request from someone you do not know or trust.

Phony seller scams

Scammers may create fake seller accounts or use the names of legitimate sellers to trick users into making purchases. To protect yourself, be sure to research the seller and the product before making a purchase, and check the reviews and ratings of the product and seller.

Spoofed website scams

Scammers may create fake websites that look like Shopify or other reputable online retailers in order to trick users into making purchases or providing personal information. To protect yourself, be sure to double-check the website address before making a purchase and be cautious of any requests for personal information.

Unauthorized seller scams

Scammers may create fake seller accounts or use the names of legitimate sellers to trick users into making purchases. To protect yourself, be sure to research the seller and the product before making a purchase, and check the reviews and ratings of the product and seller.

In addition to the above scams, it is also important to be aware of any red flags that may indicate a scam.

Some red flags to look out for include suspiciously low prices or discounts, a lack of information about the seller or manufacturer, poor quality or missing components in the product, suspiciously high numbers of positive reviews, and requests to return or refund a product before receiving it or without returning it.

Our investigations into Common Scams of 2024

To further protect yourself from Shopify scams, here are a few additional tips:

• Use a credit card for online purchases: Credit cards offer more protection against fraud than debit cards.
• Check the return policy before making a purchase: This can help you to understand your rights and options in case you need to return the product.
• Use secure payment methods: Shopify recommends using secure payment methods, such as PayPal or Shopify Payments, to protect your personal and financial information.
• Research the seller and product: Always do your due diligence before making a purchase. Check the reviews and ratings of the seller and product, and do some research on the seller and product to ensure that they are legitimate.
• Check the website’s security: Look for the “https” in the website’s URL and a padlock icon to ensure that the website is secure and your personal information is encrypted.

If you do fall victim to a Shopify scam from a seller in China, there are a few steps you can take to try to resolve the issue. You can report the issue to Shopify through the app or website, or you may be able to dispute the charge with your bank or credit card company if you used a payment method.

If you believe that you have been the victim of a crime, such as fraud or identity theft, you may be able to report the issue to the Chinese authorities or to international organizations like the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

In conclusion, while shopping on Shopify can be a convenient and enjoyable experience, it’s important to be aware of the various scams that can occur, especially when shopping from international sellers like those in China.

By following the tips and red flags outlined above, you can protect yourself and ensure that your online shopping experience is a safe and positive one.

Shopify Scam Blacklist

The following phone numbers, websites, and emails have been reported to us by the consumer. If you feel this information is incorrect, you may submit a request for removal or correction by contacting us using this form.

FAQ

Attention: Consumers who have been contacted by scammers could have had their personal information breached. TotalScam!™ highly recommends that consumers whose information has been breached obtain identity theft protection service immediately.

There are several companies that offer identity theft protection in the US. One of the most inexpensive options we were able to find is the protection offered by LifeLock. You can start your protection here.

Disclaimer: The information and opinions contained on this site are not endorsed by LifeLock. TotalScam!™ receives compensation from LifeLock. This helps support our scam prevention efforts.

Our investigations into Common Scams of 2024