Fake Websites and Scams

Store Feedback
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Topic summary

A user reports being scammed after ordering a camera from an online store, receiving the wrong product, and losing access to the website afterward. They question whether Shopify vets merchants before allowing them to create stores.

Shopify’s Role:

  • Shopify operates as an open platform without pre-vetting every merchant
  • The company investigates reported fraud and can shut down violating stores
  • Users can report fraudulent websites through Shopify’s Acceptable Use Policy team

Recommended Actions:

  • Contact bank/credit card provider to request a chargeback
  • Report the scam to Shopify with transaction proof and website details
  • File reports with local consumer protection agencies
  • Research unfamiliar websites before purchasing

Additional Report:
Another user flags a specific website selling pirated Adobe software at low prices, providing virus-laden download links. They report the site violates DMCA and trademark laws, noting the seller creates multiple domains to continue selling counterfeit products after previous sites are shut down. They urge Shopify to permanently ban such accounts.

The discussion remains open with no resolution for the original victim’s case.

Summarized with AI on November 1. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
1

I recently placed an order for a camera from an online store and when I received the product, I realized I had been scammed. I paid quite a large sum of money and received the wrong product and now, when I try to follow the website link back, it says that “it is currently unavailable”, so now I can’t even find a way to trace the order back. I just lost so much money. Does Shopify do a background check on companies before they create these fraudulent websites and scam people? or can they at least take action against or punish the users that participate in this? I can provide the ‘no longer existing’ website link if necessary

1 Like
2

Hi @bri2312

I’m so sorry to hear about your experience—it’s incredibly frustrating to deal with scams like this. I’ll explain what Shopify can do in these cases and how you can take action.

Does Shopify vet every store on its platform?

Shopify does not perform a background check on every merchant when they create a store. Shopify is an open platform, which allows anyone to start an online business. Unfortunately, this sometimes includes bad actors who abuse the platform. Shopify does, however, take reports of fraud and policy violations seriously.

What action can Shopify take?

Shopify investigates stores reported for fraudulent or unethical behavior. If a store is found to be violating Shopify’s policies, they can shut it down and ban the merchant from using their platform.

You can report the fraudulent website to Shopify’s Acceptable Use Policy team by filling out their reporting form here. Be sure to include:

  • The link to the fraudulent website (even if it’s unavailable now).
  • Any proof of your transaction (like receipts, emails, or order details).
  • A description of the scam and what happened.

**What should you do now?**1. Contact Your Bank or Credit Card Provider: Request a chargeback for the transaction. Most banks and card companies have protections for fraudulent purchases.

  1. Report the Scam: In addition to Shopify, you can report the scam to local consumer protection agencies or cybersecurity organizations in your area.
  2. Be Vigilant Online: Moving forward, always research websites before purchasing, especially if they’re new or unfamiliar. Look for reviews, verify contact details, and avoid deals that seem too good to be true.

I truly hope Shopify can assist you in getting some form of resolution. If you have more details to share or need help navigating this process, feel free to reply, and I’ll do my best to guide you.

Best regards,
Daisy

3

Fraudulent websites:
https://www.expressliquidationstore.com/
https://www.expressliquidationstore.com/products/copy-adobe-acrobat-pro-2020-no-subscription
Reporting Fraudulent Websites:
Sell pirated software and use low prices to deceive us. Use illegal copy software and provide virus download links,
Serious violation of website policy!
Piracy software, illegal digital download, violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act ", DMCA. violation of information security laws and regulations
adobe acrobat is adobe brand. adobe trademark.
adobe acorbat product is counterfeit products, infringing products .
uregnt:report Fraudulent websites, sales of counterfeit products, infringing software products.
https://www.expressliquidationstore.com/
https://www.expressliquidationstore.com/products/copy-adobe-acrobat-pro-2020-no-subscription
the seller use many domain to sell Fraudulent websites.when one domain cann’t sell counterfeit products, infringing products,change other domain.
many time to make a violation of brand( adobe ) (adobe acorbat)
shopify shoud be reported too frobid counterfeit products, infringing products (Virtual products, counterfeit products.Permanent closure account.
old fale website closed by shopify and re-build new copy fake website.

4

My experience with this store (timeframesupply.co.za) has been extremely disappointing. I placed my order four weeks ago, and despite multiple attempts to follow up, I still have not received any waybill or delivery update.

Communication has been inconsistent and unhelpful. Most of my messages and emails were ignored, and when I did get responses, they were vague and didn’t actually address my concerns. At this point, it feels like the store has no idea where my parcel is or what is going on with my order.

For an order worth R2,000, I really didn’t expect this level of frustration. I shouldn’t have to escalate the issue to Shopify or cybersecurity services just to get basic information about my purchase.

I hope they improve their communication and reliability, because this experience has been extremely stressful and unprofessional.