I recently launched my shopify store and someone named Michael james messaged me through my shopify inbox saying he could help me. Has anyone had this happen before and if so are they legit, and do they actually help.
Topic summary
Issue: A new store owner received a cold message via Shopify Inbox from someone named “Michael James” offering help and asked if it’s legitimate.
Experiences reported:
- Others have received similar unsolicited outreach. Typical signs: emails with no subject, a generic “hi,” followed by a sales pitch.
- Same-day WhatsApp messages reportedly originating from Nigeria.
- One reply labeled the outreach as not legit.
Official guidance (from Shopify support):
- Be cautious with freelancers who cold contact you via Inbox, DMs, or social platforms. Generally, only work with third-party collaborators when you are actively seeking help.
- Ignore unsolicited “cold calls” unless you initiated the search for services.
- If you need assistance, use vetted options: the official Shopify Partner Program and the Partner Directory to find verified partners.
Outcome/status:
- No confirmation that “Michael James” is an official partner.
- Consensus leans toward treating such outreach as illegitimate.
- Recommended action: Do not engage unsolicited contacts; use the official Partner Directory when seeking help.
Not legit.
Yes, along with several others. The emails have no subject lines, just hi and launch into some spill. The same day they started texting my WhatsApp from Nigeria.
Hi there, @Star11 . Thanks for taking the time to reach out to the Shopify Community. My name is Imogen. It’s good to meet you!
It’s good sense to be careful when freelancers ‘cold call’ you with reach-outs offering their services. Typically, you only want to work with third party collaborators when you are actively seeking support with your business, and these individuals are answering your call. There are freelancers that host their services on third party platforms like Fiverr, or reach out via DMs on Social Media platforms to offer their services, but it’s best to ignore these coldcalls unless you’re actively seeking work from a third party for your business.
If you do decide that you’re looking for help from a third party freelancer with your business, then it’s best that you look for someone who is an official member of the Shopify Partner Program. We have our very own Partner Directory where you can scout out potential Partners to work with!