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.
17

Hi everyone,

I just wrapped up a long chat with Shopify Support and learned the following things:

  • File chargebacks. If a store gets a high volume of chargebacks, Shopify’s Risk team will investigate. File a claim with your CC company whenever possible to bring the store to Shopify’s attention.
  • Report the store using Shopify’s Acceptable Use Policy violation form. Shoppers can use the reason “Non-Delivery of Product” to report the scams. Sellers can report infringement with the reason “Intellectual Property”.

I’m not sure how many chargebacks/reports are required to trigger a review by Shopify, but hopefully those points are a resource for shoppers and storeowners. Please report where you can and hopefully these stores get taken down!

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