Shopify Scam Prevention: How to Avoid Fraudulent Messages

Understanding the Nature of Scams on Shopify

• Phishing emails that impersonate Shopify or related services, asking for sensitive information like login credentials
• Fake order notifications claiming to be from buyers who don’t actually exist, leading merchants to ship products that may never be paid for
• Fraudulent chargebacks, where buyers falsely dispute charges and ask for refunds for products they purchased

The Essential Steps to Preventing Scams

1. Create Strong Passwords: A solid password is your first line of defense. Use a combination of upper & lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid common words or easily guessable information like birthdays. Shopify recommends regularly changing your password for added security.
2. Enable Two-Step Authentication: Using two-step authentication adds an extra layer of security. It requires not just a password but also a code sent to your mobile device. This ensures that even if someone gets hold of your password, they won't be able to access your store without the additional verification.
3. Monitor Your Account Activity: Regularly check your Shopify account for any unusual activity. Look for logins from unknown IP addresses or any changes you didn’t make. If you spot something fishy, change your password immediately & contact Shopify Support.
4. Utilize Shopify’s Fraud Prevention Tools: Shopify offers various built-in tools to combat fraud. For example, Shopify Protect covers your eligible Shop Pay orders against fraudulent chargebacks. This means if the chargeback is deemed fraudulent, Shopify will cover the cost!
5. Be Wary of Links in Emails: Phishing scams often come with links that appear legitimate but lead you to malicious sites. Always double-check the email address and hover over links to see where they lead before clicking. If in doubt, go directly to the Shopify website and verify any requests.
6. Educate Yourself on Common Scams: Awareness is your best defense. Familiarize yourself with common scams targeting Shopify users. Engage in forums, like the Shopify Community, to learn from others’ experiences. Hearing first-hand accounts will help you recognize red flags in future communications.
7. Verify Buyers Before Shipping: If you receive an order that seems suspicious, don’t hesitate to reach out to the customer. Genuine buyers will appreciate your diligence. Ask them to provide proof of identity if something feels off. Scammers are often hesitant to respond to such requests.
8. Implement Anti-Fraud Apps: You might want to consider third-party fraud detection apps available on the Shopify App Store. Tools like Signifyd provide coverage against fraudulent transactions and assist in protecting your business.
9. Stay Ahead of Trends: Online scams evolve rapidly. By keeping yourself informed about new threats & methods that scammers are employing, you can better prepare yourself to deal with them effectively.

Examples of Common Scams on Shopify

• A seller received an email from what appeared to be Shopify stating their account was suspended due to a violation. The link directed them to a site that looked the same as Shopify’s login page. By entering their credentials here, they inadvertently handed their account over to scammers.
• Another merchant reported receiving fake order emails from “customers” ordering large quantities of products. These scammers often provided shipping information that redirected deliveries overseas, thus the merchant ends up losing both product & profit.

How to Respond if You’ve Been Scammed

1. Contact Shopify Support: Immediately reach out to Shopify’s support team. They can help secure your account and assist in reviewing any compromised data.
2. Alert Your Bank: If you believe your financial information has been compromised, contact your bank or credit card company right away to discuss potential fraud and unauthorized transactions.
3. File a Police Report: If you feel threatened, filing a police report can escalate the issue to someone who can assist you. It’s also useful for any claims you may need to make against fraud.
4. Change Your Passwords: After confirming you’ve been scammed, change all pertinent passwords immediately, focusing especially on any sensitive accounts like banking or email that may be tied to your Shopify store.
5. Monitor Transactions: Keep a close eye on your bank & credit card transactions over the next few weeks. If anything looks familiar, contact the organization to dispute it.

How Arsturn Can Help You Engage & Protect Your Customers

• Instant Responses: Answer customer inquiries quickly, reducing wait time and enhancing their shopping experience. Customers are less likely to feel neglected & seek information elsewhere.
• Gather Information: Train your chatbot to recognize common scams and alert customers about fraudulent activities. This proactive approach can keep your audience informed and engaged.
• Customization: Tailor your chatbot to reflect your brand’s voice. A well-crafted interaction can contribute significantly to building customer trust.
• Analytics: Gain insights into your customers’ interests and their interaction with your store, allowing you to address concerns before they escalate into issues.

Conclusion