How can I report a fraudulent Shopify store?

Shopify Discussion

Topic summary

Multiple Shopify store owners and customers report frustration over fraudulent stores operating on the platform with no clear reporting mechanism. Common scam patterns include:

Typical fraud tactics:

  • Selling counterfeit or misrepresented products (phone cases, electronics, clothing)
  • Shipping broken, unbranded, or completely different items than advertised
  • Refusing refunds despite stated policies, offering only store credit
  • Deleting negative comments on social media
  • Using stolen product images from legitimate businesses
  • Operating multiple duplicate sites simultaneously

Reporting methods identified:

  • File chargebacks with credit card companies (high chargeback volumes trigger Shopify’s Risk team investigation)
  • Use Shopify’s Acceptable Use Policy violation form for non-delivery or intellectual property infringement
  • Report to FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
  • Contact Shopify support directly through account menu

Ongoing concerns:

  • Fraudulent stores quickly reappear under new names after takedowns
  • Approximately 40% of Shopify stores may be scams according to one cited study
  • Legitimate store owners worry the platform’s reputation suffers, with some considering migration to other platforms
  • The ease of setting up Shopify stores enables rapid fraud proliferation

The discussion remains open with no systemic solution from Shopify addressed.

Summarized with AI on November 2. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
15

I was scammed as well. The store…prettylittledealsstore.com

They took my money, sent generic response letters when I questioned them and wont return my money. It’s been a month.. Shopify needs to dump or fine these scam companies and by the looks of these feeds their are ALOT of them.

4 Likes