Is Shopify Legit? Beware of These 7 Common Scams!

When it comes to setting up an online store, Shopify is often said. But is Shopify a reliable and trustworthy platform? The short answer is yes! Let's delve deeper into what makes Shopify a secure and reliable choice for both sellers and shoppers.

Here's the detailed agenda:

• 4 reasons why you should give trust in Shopify
• 7 scams you should watch out for
• 5 tips to provide a safe shopping experience for your customers

Let’s dive right in!

Is Shopify Legit?

Yes, Shopify is definitely legit because it is trusted by over 5 million merchants worldwide to grow their online businesses. Shopify also ensures security through strong encryption, secure payment gateways, and fraud prevention tools for safe transactions.

There's no doubt that Shopify is one of the best eCommerce platforms in the market. But before opting for this solution, we are sure that you will wonder: “Is Shopify legit?”.

4 Reasons Why You Should Trust in Shopify

In this section, we will explore 4 main reasons why you should trust Shopify as a legitimate and trustworthy platform. We hope they will help you answer the question, “Is Shopify legit?”

#1. Shopify provides a safe and secure platform for selling

I really value safety when shopping online, and I've found that Shopify gets that. They understand and take security seriously for the safety of its users.

SSL certificate

One thing I like is that Shopify gives every store an SSL Certificate. It ensures that customer data, including personal information and payment details, are securely transmitted over the Internet.

This encryption safeguards against unauthorized access and helps establish trust between the customer and your online store.

PCI compliant

The PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is a globally recognized security standard that ensures the secure handling of credit card information. And Shopify is a certified Level 1 PCI DSS compliant!

By default, Shopify ensures that all its stores adhere to PCI compliance standards. By complying with PCI, this platform demonstrates its commitment to maintaining high-security standards, protecting sensitive payment information, and reducing the risk of data breaches.

Therefore, you can rest assured that all your information is securely processed and stored.

Security updates and patches

Shopify continuously monitors and updates its security systems to stay ahead of potential threats. It invests in advanced technologies and employs a team of security experts to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.

By choosing Shopify, you can have peace of mind knowing that your online store is built on a secure foundation.

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#2. Shopify offers transparent pricing plans with no hidden fees

From our experience, Shopify’s transparent pricing plans are another reason to trust Shopify as a legitimate platform.

This platform provides clear and straightforward Shopify pricing plans for users to accurately understand and budget their expenses. The subscription tiers are designed to cater to businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises.

Additionally, Shopify offers an in-house payment solution called Shopify Payments, which eliminates these transaction fees. You can save on transaction costs and simplify your financial management by using Shopify Payments.

With that being said, it's important to note that while there are transaction fees for external payment gateways, Shopify is transparent about these fees and clearly communicates them to you.

💡 Here's how Shopify calculates your transaction fees:

As you may see, this transparency ensures there are no hidden charges or unannounced fees. Hence, you can plan and manage your business finances effectively.

#3. Shopify Payments is highly secure

As mentioned earlier, Shopify offers its own built-in payment solution called Shopify Payments. This integrated payment gateway provides your customers with a seamless and secure checkout experience.

Shopify Payments is powered by Stripe, a leading global payment processor known for its robust security infrastructure. With Shopify Payments, you can accept credit card payments directly on your online store, streamlining your customers' purchasing process.

The transactions processed through Shopify Payments benefit from the same high-level security measures mentioned earlier, including SSL encryption and PCI DSS compliance.

#4. Shopify only allows trusted third-party apps to appear on their App Store

When it comes to expanding your store's capabilities, what sets Shopify apart is its commitment to ensuring the quality and trustworthiness of the apps available on its platform.

I know that Shopify also checks every app before it's allowed in their store. A team of experts looks at each one to ensure it's safe and works properly. This review process includes evaluating factors such as functionality, security, and user experience.

Shopify only approves and showcases plugins that meet their strict Shopify app requirements. By curating the apps on the Shopify App Store, Shopify protects its users from potential scams or malicious software. This gives me extra peace of mind when using Shopify store apps.

Additionally, Shopify encourages user feedback and reviews for the listed apps. These ratings and Shopify reviews serve as an additional layer of transparency, enabling you to decide which apps to integrate into your stores.

7 Shopify Scams to Watch Out For

With both challenges and opportunities, it's essential to be aware of potential Shopify scams that can compromise your financial security and hinder your success.

Therefore, watch out for the following scams and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your business!

#1. Shopify store duplicator schemes

One scam to watch out for involves fraudulent individuals or groups who create duplicate Shopify stores to deceive unsuspecting customers.

These scammers copy the design and layout of legitimate online stores, often selling counterfeit or low-quality products. They may lure customers with attractive prices or promotional offers and then disappear once the payment is made.

If you're a Shopify seller, here's what I recommend you do:

• Keep an eye on your store's traffic and sales patterns. If you notice any sudden drops or unusual activity, investigate further, as it could be a sign of a duplicate store diverting your customers.
• Periodically search online for stores that may copy your brand, products, or website design. I recommend you use Google Alerts to help with this.
• If you find a duplicate store, report it to Shopify immediately. They have a process for taking down fraudulent stores and protecting legitimate businesses.
• Registering your brand name and logo as trademarks can provide legal protection against copycats and make it easier to take action against them.

#2. Triangulation schemes

Triangulation schemes occur when a scammer uses a legitimate online marketplace, such as Shopify, to facilitate fraudulent transactions. In this scheme, the scammer poses as a seller, listing popular products at remarkably low prices.

When a customer places an order, the scammer purchases the product from a different website using stolen credit card information, shipping it directly to the customer. The customer receives the product but remains unaware of the illegal activities behind the scenes.

To avoid falling prey to triangulation schemes, purchase products from trusted sellers, thoroughly research the store and seller before making a purchase and be cautious of unusually low prices.

#3. Fake return ticket

Some scammers pretend as dissatisfied customers seeking returns or refunds. They may claim to have received a faulty or incorrect item and request a return.

In this scam, the fraudster provides a fake return tracking number or ships an empty package to your store address, ultimately tricking you into refunding the money without actually returning the product.

To protect yourself from fake return ticket scams, you should establish a clear return policy, require valid tracking numbers for returns, and carefully inspect returned items before issuing refunds.

#4. Direct client scheme

In the direct client scheme, scammers contact you posing as potential customers or wholesale buyers. They claim to be interested in making large orders or establishing business partnerships.

However, their intention is to obtain free samples or products without paying or to convince the seller to provide discounts or credit terms and never fulfill the promised purchase.

To avoid falling victim to this scam, exercise caution when dealing with unfamiliar clients, conduct background checks on potential buyers, and establish secure payment terms and procedures.

#5. Switching scheme

The switching scheme involves scammers who seem legal purchases. They use stolen credit card information. After receiving the products, they contact you, claiming the items are damaged or incorrect.

They propose returning the products but sending back similar-looking or lower-value items instead. This way, the scammer obtains a refund while keeping the original products.

To mitigate the risk of switching scams, carefully document product details, photograph items before shipping, and implement stringent quality control procedures upon receiving returned items.

#6. Fake purchase orders

Scammers may submit fake purchase orders, especially to suppliers or dropshipping businesses. They pose as legitimate customers or businesses, providing detailed order information and requesting immediate shipment.

However, the payment they provide, such as a fraudulent check or stolen credit card information, fails to clear or is later reported as unauthorized.

To protect yourself from fake purchase order scams, verify the authenticity of the order by conducting due diligence on the customer or business, confirm payment before shipment, and be wary of rushed or unusually large orders.

By familiarizing yourself with these common scams and implementing precautionary measures, you can safeguard your Shopify stores and mitigate the risks associated with online.

#7. SEO spam

If you're a Shopify seller, keep an eye out for something called SEO spam. This is when bad guys try to sneak harmful code into your store. 

But how exactly do those bad guys do harm to your SEO score?

• Scammers find vulnerabilities in your store's code or use compromised third-party apps to inject malicious code.
• This code creates hidden pages or links filled with irrelevant keywords and low-quality content.

So how can you safeguard you Shopify store in this case? You should regularly check your website's content, especially in the footer or header, for any unfamiliar links or hidden text. And next, you should only install apps from trusted developers and review their permissions carefully before granting them access to your store's data.

5 Tips to Provide A Safe Shopping Experience for Your Customers

We hope that when you reach this section of our article, you have found the answer for “Is Shopify legit”. Now, let's move on to the next session: How you can provide a safe and secure experience for visitors coming to your store.

Here are 5 essential tips to help you build trust and provide a safe shopping experience for your customers on your Shopify store that we have experienced and collected.

#1. Make pricing and return policies clearly

Firstly, transparency is key to building trust with your customers. You should display your pricing information, including additional fees or charges, to avoid customer surprises at checkout.

Thus, you need to ensure your return policy is easily accessible and clearly outlines the returns, exchanges, and refund process. By being upfront about pricing and return policies, you set clear expectations and demonstrate your commitment to fair and honest business practices.

#2. Ensure customers know the site is safe

Instilling confidence in your customers regarding the safety and security of your website is crucial. So you have to display trust badges and security seals on your Shopify store.

These visual indicators reassure customers that their personal and payment information is protected during transactions. Additionally, communicate your data privacy practices and assure customers that their information will be handled securely and responsibly.

#3. Show the people behind the brand

On another note, humanizing your brand is one effective way to build trust with your customers. Show the people behind your business by featuring staff profiles, customer testimonials, and behind-the-scenes content. And this personal touch helps customers connect with your brand on a deeper level and builds credibility.

Also, adding real photos and true stories creates a sense of authenticity that resonates with customers and enhances their perception of your business.

#4. Be a social (media) butterfly

Engaging with customers on social media platforms can promote a safe and positive shopping experience. You must make sure that you always have an active social media presence and promptly respond to customer inquiries, comments, and concerns. Addressing customer issues publicly demonstrates your commitment to excellent customer service and showcases your responsiveness.

Besides, you may encourage customers to reach out to you through social media channels, providing an additional avenue to voice their concerns and receive timely support.

#5. Get ratings and reviews

Building trust with customers is crucial to protecting your store. One effective way to do this is by encouraging happy customers to leave reviews and ratings after their purchase. These authentic and unbiased testimonials serve as social proof, showcasing the positive experiences of others and boosting the confidence of potential buyers.

You can add reviews to Shopify and display them on your store by using review apps like Ryviu or Yotpo.

Moreover, responding to both positive and negative reviews professionally and constructively demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction and helps address any concerns that may arise. Remember, building trust is an ongoing process, and actively engaging with customer feedback is a key component.

In addition to these five tips, don't forget to regularly monitor your store for any suspicious activity or signs of potential scams. Stay updated on the latest security practices and trends in eCommerce to protect your customers' information proactively. Implementing strong password policies, utilizing secure payment gateways, and conducting regular security audits are essential to maintaining a safe shopping environment.

Remember, a safe shopping experience fosters customer loyalty and satisfaction and contributes to your Shopify store's long-term success. By prioritizing transparency, security, customer engagement, and authentic feedback, you can build a trustworthy brand that customers will feel confident in returning to time and again.

Is Shopify Legit – FAQs

Is Shopify Legit – Final Thoughts

And that brings us to the end of our article on “Is Shopify legit”.

In conclusion, I want to conclude that Shopify is definitely a legitimate and trusted eCommerce platform that provides a safe environment for online businesses. By following the five tips outlined in this article, you can further enhance your security measures, protect your customers from scams, and confidently navigate the world of eCommerce on Shopify. Stay vigilant, be informed, and enjoy the benefits of a secure and successful online business.

Last but not least, if you want more insight into the world of eCommerce, please visit the LitExtension blog and join our active eCommerce community!