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Topic summary

A U.S.-registered company with a family-based owner in the U.S. and team members in mainland China seeks guidance on avoiding platform bans despite legitimate operations. The owner frequently uses VPN to access services.

Key concerns identified:

  • Automated fraud detection systems may flag logins from multiple countries or frequent VPN use
  • Inconsistent IP addresses can trigger account reviews or temporary suspensions

Recommended preventive measures:

  1. Maintain login consistency - Use VPN set to U.S. location (matching business registration) rather than switching between multiple IPs

  2. Create separate staff accounts - Add team members through Settings > Users and Permissions instead of sharing single login credentials

  3. Avoid free VPNs - These often use flagged shared IPs; consider Google authentication (SSO) for secure access

  4. Verify business documentation - Ensure platform has correct U.S. business information, tax documents, and registration details ready for potential verification requests

  5. Align payment settings - Business bank account must match U.S. registration; avoid accessing financial settings from varying locations

Status: Discussion remains open with initial guidance provided. No indication of current platform issues, focus is preventive.

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

Hello, we registered a U.S. company a year ago and my family is based there, but my team is located in mainland China. What steps can I take to avoid being banned by the system, even though we are a legitimate business? Just FYI, I use VPN frequently to access Google and other services.

2

Hi @jaden4

Thanks for sharing your situation—totally get why you’re concerned about keeping your Shopify store running smoothly without any unexpected issues. Since your business is registered in the U.S., but your team is in China, there are a few key things you need to keep in mind to avoid getting flagged by Shopify’s system.

Why Shopify Might Flag Your Store

Shopify has automated fraud detection systems in place to prevent unauthorized access, unusual login activity, or potential policy violations. If Shopify detects logins from different countries (especially regions known for high fraud risks) or constant VPN use, your store could be flagged for review or even temporarily disabled.

Steps to Avoid Getting Banned1. Be Consistent with Login Locations

  • Since you’re frequently using a VPN, Shopify might see your logins as suspicious.
  • To avoid this, try to log in consistently from one or two locations (U.S. or China) instead of switching between multiple IPs. If you must use a VPN, make sure it’s always set to the U.S. (matching your business registration).

  1. Add Team Members with Proper Permissions

    • Instead of sharing a single login, create separate Shopify staff accounts for your team in China.
    • Go to Settings > Users and Permissions and add your team members with appropriate roles.
    • This makes logins look more legitimate rather than having one account logging in from multiple countries.

  2. Use a Stable VPN or Shopify’s Single Sign-On (SSO)

    • If you must use a VPN, go for a dedicated IP VPN rather than a random rotating one.
    • Avoid free VPNs because they often use shared IPs that might already be flagged.
    • Alternatively, try Shopify’s Google authentication (SSO) to keep access secure.

  3. Verify Your Business with Shopify

    • Since your company is U.S.-based, make sure Shopify has all your correct business information.
    • You can submit tax documents, company registration details, and proof of address if Shopify requests verification.

  4. Set Up Shopify Payments Correctly

    • Shopify Payments might restrict payouts if it detects inconsistencies between your business registration and login locations.
    • Make sure your business bank account matches your U.S. registration and avoid accessing financial settings from random locations.

Final Thoughts

Since you’re running a legitimate business, Shopify won’t ban you outright unless they see activity that seems risky. Just keep your login habits stable, use staff accounts properly, and be ready to verify your business if needed.

Hope this helps! If you need extra help, just let me know asap. Thanks
Daisy.