Is Shopify Legit? 5 Common Scams to Be Aware Of

If you’re considering starting an online business or selling on Shopify, you’ve probably wondered, “Is Shopify legit?” The good news is, yes, it is. Shopify is one of the most valuable ecommerce platforms available, used by millions of entrepreneurs just like you.

There are millions of stores running on Shopify, which have high volumes due to its reliability and popularity. However, like any central online platform, it is not entirely free from scams. And while most people focus on scams that target shoppers, the truth is that sellers can be targets too, especially if you’re new to the market.

This guide aims to help you understand common scams, how to avoid them, and, most importantly, how to protect yourself and your store from the scams.

So… Is Shopify Legit?

Shopify is 100% legit and one of the most trusted ecommerce platforms globally. Over 4 million merchants use it to power their online businesses.

As a store owner, Shopify gives you a reliable, secure, and scalable foundation to build and grow your brand. With built-in tools for payments, marketing, and analytics, it’s designed to help you succeed, whether you’re just starting or scaling quickly.

Take a few extra minutes to check reviews, policies, and contact details. If something feels off, trust your gut; it’s better to miss out on a deal than to lose your money entirely.

Are Shopify Stores Legit?

Most Shopify stores are legit, but not all of them.

Shopify is an easy-to-use ecommerce platform that serves over a million businesses worldwide. It is used by big brands, small businesses, and solo entrepreneurs to sell a wide range of products, including clothing, electronics, digital products, and services.

Anyone can set up their store on Shopify without any technical skills, but some scammers use the platform to create fake or misleading stores. These scam stores might:

• Sell counterfeit or low-quality products.
• Take your money and never ship anything.
• Disappear without offering customer support.

Reasons Why You Can Trust Shopify

In this section, we will provide you with solid reasons why Shopify stands out as a trustworthy, secure, and reliable platform for your ecommerce journey.

Offers a Safe & Secure Selling Environment

Online safety is a primary concern these days, and Shopify takes it seriously. Whether you’re a store owner or a shopper, your data is protected by industry-standard security measures.

• SSL Encryption: Every Shopify store includes an SSL certificate by default. This means all customer data, including payment info, is encrypted and safely transmitted, keeping it out of the hands of hackers.

• PCI Compliance: Shopify is Level 1 PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) compliant, the highest standard for processing credit card payments. That’s a big deal for anyone handling customer transactions.

• Constant Monitoring & Updates: Shopify’s security team actively monitors the platform and pushes regular updates to patch vulnerabilities, staying one step ahead of potential threats.

Transparent Pricing With No Hidden Fees

Another reason Shopify earns trust is its transparent and upfront pricing. Each plan outlines exactly what you’re paying for, with no sneaky charges.

• Plans are tailored for businesses of all sizes, so whether you’re a startup or scaling enterprise, you will find something that fits.
• If you use Shopify Payments (built-in payment gateway), you’ll avoid extra transaction fees that are typically charged when using third-party gateways.

Even if you choose to use a different payment provider, Shopify displays all associated costs. It’s all about giving you the complete picture upfront so you can budget wisely.

Shopify Payments Is Secure & Streamlined

Shopify Payments, powered by Stripe, makes it easy and safe to accept payments directly on your store. It’s fast, built into the platform, and backed by robust security protocols like SSL encryption and PCI compliance.

This integration not only simplifies the checkout process for your customers but also reduces the need for third-party tools, minimizing risk and boosting trust.

Only Trusted Apps Are Allowed on the Shopify App Store

Shopify’s App Store is home to thousands of tools and plugins, but not just any app gets in. Each one must pass a strict vetting process that checks for:

• Functionality
• Security standards
• Overall user experience

This helps protect store owners from low-quality or potentially harmful apps.

Additionally, Shopify encourages user reviews and ratings, providing you with even more confidence before installing a new tool.

Common Scams and How to Avoid Them

Let’s explore common ones and how you can steer clear to keep your business safe and successful.

Fake Stores Selling Nonexistent or Counterfeit Products

Some scammers set up fake stores that look professional but never deliver the product, or worse, send a cheap imitation. These sites often lure you in with massive discounts, particularly on high-demand products such as electronics, designer items, or trending gadgets.

How to avoid it:

• Check customer reviews on third-party sites, not just the store’s website.
• Look for proper contact information and return policies.
• Be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true, because they probably are.

Stolen Product Listings

Some scammy Shopify stores copy images and descriptions from real, trustworthy websites. When you place an order, they either fail to ship or use your money to dropship from a low-quality supplier, often without your knowledge.

How to avoid it:

• Reverse image search product photos to see if they appear on other sites.
• Verify the store’s social media presence and look for engagement and reviews.
• Check the domain age using tools like WHOIS; scam stores are typically very new.

No Clear Contact or Customer Support

If a Shopify store hides behind a contact form with no phone number, physical address, or business details, that’s a red flag. Scammers often disappear as soon as issues arise.

How to avoid it:

• Ensure the store has a valid email address, working phone number, or an active customer service chat.
• Test the email or contact form with a quick question and see how they respond.
• Look for an “About Us” page and return policy—legit stores usually have them.

Social Media Ads Leading to Scam Stores

You’ve probably seen those slick Instagram or Facebook ads promising amazing deals. While many are real, scammers also run ads for fake stores using stolen product videos and images.

How to avoid it:

• Always research the store before clicking “buy” from an ad.
• Look at the comments on the post—are people complaining about not receiving items?
• Stick to stores with verified social media profiles and websites that use HTTPS encryption.

No Refund or Return Policy

This is another scam. When discussing reputation, 90% of stores consistently have clear policies for returns, exchanges, and refunds. Scam stores often avoid including any real policy or use vague language that makes it impossible to obtain a refund.

How to avoid it:

• Read the return/refund policy before making a purchase.
• Be cautious of sites that say “All Sales Final” or don’t mention returns at all.
• Pay with a credit card or PayPal, allowing you to dispute the charge if needed.

Choose the Right Ecommerce Platform: A Clear Comparison

Here’s a clean and professional comparison table that highlights key features for popular e-commerce platforms, helping you make informed decisions instead of relying on Shopify.

Final Thoughts: To Keep Your Shopify Store Safe from Scams

Always stay informed about common news, such as scams, so you’re clear about what’s safe to use for your store. Following the tips shared, you are now confident about how to build and grow, as well as choose an ecommerce platform that will benefit you.

Stay safe, stay informed, and happy selling!

FAQs

1. Is it safe to purchase from Shopify?
Yes, Shopify is a trusted platform with robust security, reliable payment systems, and safeguards in place to protect user information.

2. How to tell if a Shopify store is legit?
Check for clear contact info, customer reviews, secure checkout (https), and a professional design. Look up the store’s reputation online if unsure.

3. Is Shopify dropshipping legit?
Yes, Shopify dropshipping is legit. You sell products without holding inventory, but success depends on good suppliers and smart marketing.

4. Is Shopify trustworthy?
Yes, Shopify is trustworthy. It’s a well-established platform used by millions of businesses worldwide, offering secure payments, reliable hosting, and strong customer support.

5. Is Shopify a scam?
No, Shopify is not a scam. It’s a legitimate and trusted ecommerce platform used by millions of businesses worldwide.