1/25/2025

Fraud Filter Alternatives for Shopify: Free & Cost-Effective Options

Running an online store comes with its own set of challenges, one of the biggest being the potential risk of fraud. With losses from e-commerce payment fraud projected to hit a whopping $48 billion globally, you can bet your bottom dollar that a robust protection system is necessary for today’s merchants. Having a reliable fraud filter is essential for mitigating risks and protecting your bottom line. However, the question often arises: what are the alternatives to Shopify’s built-in fraud filtering tools? Let’s dive into some GREAT free & cost-effective options that can help keep your Shopify store safe!

Why Consider Alternative Fraud Filter Solutions?

While Shopify does incorporate a built-in fraud detection system, it’s not 100% foolproof. Many merchants search for alternative options for various reasons:

Customization: You might want specific rules that are tailored to your business needs.
Cost: Shopify’s built-in tools offer limited functionalities; additional services often come with extra fees.
Features: Some businesses may require advanced features that aren’t available in Shopify’s offering.
User experience: Sometimes, businesses find their built-in tools to be too basic compared to what third-party solutions can provide.

1. Free Fraud Filter Apps

Finding free apps can be a lifesaver, especially for new businesses or those operating on a tight budget. Here are some reliable options:

Fraud Filter

This app allows you to create custom filters that can block specific customers based on specific criteria, like email addresses or shipping addresses. It’s a straightforward and intuitive tool that's easy for anyone to use. More importantly, it’s designed for Shopify users with a general understanding of how to utilize filtering techniques. You can easily block common fraud indicators like repetitive and suspicious user profile information. Try Fraud Filter here!

Blockify

A community favorite, Blockify isolates fraudulent buyers by blocking IP addresses associated with high-risk users. This cost-effective solution is easy to use and provides added protection against BOT traffic and unwanted visitors. If you want your store to be proactive against scammers, Blockify is worth checking out.

2. Cost-Effective Fraud Tools

For those willing to invest a little cash to fortify their security structure, here are some effective, yet budget-friendly alternatives:

Signifyd

Signifyd offers a compelling fraud protection service that's revered among e-commerce merchants. It provides complete chargeback protection and promises to handle all fraudulent chargeback requests on your behalf. Their service isn’t free, but the cost is often offset by reducing chargeback fines, making it a cost-effective option over time.

NoFraud

This handy app integrates seamlessly into Shopify, providing intelligent fraud screening for just a fraction of the cost you’d incur due to chargebacks. NoFraud employs AI technology to analyze transactions in real time, flagging suspicious orders before they can do any harm. Plus, it comes with a money-back guarantee for chargebacks, ensuring you’re covered should anything slip through the cracks.

3. The Advanced Route: Upgraded Fraud Prevention

If you’re serious about mitigating fraud risks, there are upgraded tools that offer an impressive suite of features:

FraudLabs Pro

This exceptional software goes beyond the traditional capabilities, providing an elaborate risk assessment on each transaction. FraudLabs Pro uses various fraud detection techniques, including IP geolocation, device fingerprinting, and AVS checks to offer a comprehensive fraud detection package. The pricing is flexible based on usage, thereby allowing you to cater to your needs versus a blanket cost.

Sift

Sift's platform provides advanced fraud detection software that uses machine-learning algorithms to detect fraud in real time. With various tools for analyzing transaction risks, Sift is considered a powerhouse in the fraud prevention industry. Although it's slightly on the more expensive side, the effectiveness and low false positive rates make it worth considering if you're scaling your e-commerce project seriously. For those who want to learn more, check out Sift.

4. Free Trials to Test the Waters

Before making a financial commitment, it can certainly help to try out services first. Several fraud prevention solutions offer free trials:

CybSafe

CybSafe specializes in identifying high-risk transactions without compromising customer experience. They offer a trial period which allows you to see their fraud prevention capabilities up close. It’s a great way to explore their offerings without financial commitment.

Signifyd

Along with extending a free trial, Signifyd’s customer support is top-notch. They provide you with all the details and support you need while testing out their service. You can gain valuable insights about improving your fraud-fighting formula and gauge how effective their protection strategies are. Check them out here.

5. Leverage Shopify’s Built-In Tools

Don’t forget, Shopify itself provides basic fraud detection tools that can save you money:

The Fraud Analysis feature indicates risk levels based on various factors in the buyer’s information — actively flagging orders that may pose a risk.
Use Shopify Payments as your primary payment gateway, as it bundles fraud protection into transactions at no additional fee for Shopify merchants.

Conclusion: Building a Robust Fraud-Detection Strategy

Fraud prevention should never be taken lightly, especially in the world of e-commerce. Finding tools that fit your business needs can help save you TIME & MONEY while ensuring a safer shopping experience for your customers. So while Shopify's built-in tools are a starting point, consider branching out to other tools that will enhance your protection strategies.

One amazing tool to consider (to enhance your engagement overall) is Arsturn, which lets businesses create fully customizable chatbots. These chatbots offer conversational AI that can engage customers intelligently, improving user experience and potentially reducing fraud attempts through effective communication. Plus, you can deploy chatbots without needing coding skills — how about that?

By exploring various options — from free to cost-effective solutions — you can select a fraud filter strategy that resonates with your operational goals. Remember, investing in fraud protections is investing in your brand's future.

Happy selling!