Is Shopify Legit? What Every User Needs To Be Aware Of (Reasons to Trust & Common Scams)

Starting an online store or making your first purchase can feel daunting, especially with news of scams and fraudulent sites circulating across eCommerce platforms. Shopify, as one of the world’s most widely used online store builders, offers powerful security features, robust payment protections, and a thriving ecosystem of verified apps to support both merchants and shoppers. 

Yet, stores vary in trustworthiness, and knowing how to identify legitimate sellers is crucial. This guide explores real-world scams, highlights safety measures, and provides actionable tips for building or shopping on reliable online Shopify stores, ensuring confidence in every transaction.

Let’s get into it!

Is Shopify Legit?

Definitely Yes. Shopify is a legitimate platform, trusted by over 6.8 million merchants and recognised as one of the most widely used eCommerce software platforms worldwide in 2025. Shopify is renowned for its frequent updates, robust fraud prevention tools, strong encryption, and secure payment gateways, all of which are crucial in protecting both sellers and customers.  

Reviews on Reddit about the concern “Is Shopify legit?” 

These highlights and reviews on Reddit make it apparent that while Shopify itself is legitimate, not every user operating on Shopify can be trusted. As with any open eCommerce platform, some individual sellers may attempt scams; this reflects their intent, not the platform’s credibility.  Moreover, the next sections will clarify the concern “Is Shopify legit?” with detailed explanations.

Selling on Shopify for only $1

Start with 3-day free trial and next 3 months for just $1/month.

Start free trial

Reasons to Trust the Shopify eCommerce Platform

#1. Offer World-Class Security for Store Design and Selling

The legitimacy of an eCommerce platform is closely tied to its ability to protect stores, merchants, and customers from security threats. Shopify clearly understands this responsibility, which is why its developers prioritize security at every stage of online store design and selling.  

1. SSL Certificate

Shopify automatically provides an SSL certificate for every online store hosted on its platform. This technology encrypts data transmitted between the customer’s browser and the website, safeguarding sensitive information, such as personal details, login credentials, and payment data. SSL encryption not only prevents unauthorized access but also enhances customer trust by displaying the secure “https” indicator in the browser, allowing sellers and buyers to detect it. 

2. PCI Compliance

Shopify is certified as a Level 1 PCI DSS-compliant platform, one of the highest standards for payment security. All Shopify stores benefit from this compliance, meaning you do not need to handle technical requirements on your own. This ensures the secure processing, storage, and transmission of credit card information, helping minimize the risks of fraud and data breaches. 

Shopify achieves the Level 1 PCI compliance - the highest level of security standards

3. Constant updates and patches

Shopify continuously tracks its infrastructure, reviews user feedback, and deploys regular security updates and patches to address emerging threats. With a dedicated team of security experts and advanced threat-detection systems, Shopify proactively strengthens its platform, allowing merchants to focus on growing their business without worrying about backend security. 

Learn more: How Much Does A Website Builder Cost? All Costs Explained

#2. Enable Transparent Pricing Plans and Secure Payments 

The next perspective to consider when evaluating “Is Shopify legit?” is whether it offers pricing transparency and secure payment processing. In fact, Shopify performs strongly in both areas. 

• Shopify plan review

Shopify provides well-structured pricing plans designed to support businesses at various stages, from solo sellers to global enterprises. Its plans typically include Basic, Shopify, Advanced, and Shopify Plus, each with clear features, limits, and costs. As a result, users can scale their stores without unexpected financial pressure. Shopify also offers a 3-day free trial, an exclusive deal where you pay only $ 1 per month for the first 3 months, and the Starter plan to sell via URLs. All of these are beneficial for you to test the platform thoroughly before making a commitment. 

Shopify pricing plans (based in the UK market)

Shopify pricing by country is often displayed in a different billing currency (e.g., USD, AUD, GBP), except for Shopify plans. Taxes, subscriptions, and transaction costs are communicated upfront, allowing you to forecast expenses accurately. Despite that, be mindful of the concern “How much does an eCommerce website cost?”, as you need to pay more fees for themes, marketing, third-party app integrations, promotions, SEO, and more to operate an official store. Don’t forget to use the Shopify Fee Calculator to identify the most cost-effective plan based on your sales volume, transactions, and other relevant factors, thereby saving you manual effort. 

• Shopify Payments 

Shopify offers an in-house payment solution called Shopify Payments, which provides buyers with a seamless and secure checkout experience while effectively eliminating transaction fees. In fact, Shopify Payments is powered by Stripe’s infrastructure, a top global payment processor renowned for its robust security infrastructure. This does not mean that they are not the same. Shopify utilizes Stripe’s backend to process all online transactions within Shopify’s ecosystem. 

Shopify also offers Shopify Pay Installments, a buy-now-pay-later solution that improves checkout flexibility and conversion rates on Shopify stores. This solution has been ranked among the top three most widely used payment processing technologies worldwide in 2025. This highlights its global adoption and trustworthiness. It is apparent that this level of usage could not be impressive in this way without strong security, reliability, and regulatory compliance.

Most used payment processing technology on eCommerce stores as of October 2025

#3. Have a Global Reputation and Wide User Base

Beyond powering over 6.8 million active stores worldwide, Shopify has gradually established a strong global reputation. In recent years, more than 470,000 businesses across various niches and industries have migrated from platforms such as Wix, WooCommerce, BigCartel, and others to Shopify, enabling them to leverage its advanced features, scalability, and ecosystem.

Notably, Shopify has also dominated the U.S. e-commerce platform for small businesses and enterprises, accounting for 27.35% (according to the Statista database as of September 2025). These specific figures consistently clarify the answer to the question: Is Shopify legit or a scam? Because it is legit, more and more users desire to use Shopify to design and optimize a store.  

The distribution of the eCommerce software platform market in the US

#4. Only Allow for Trusted Apps to Appear on Shopify App Store

Every third-party app displayed in the Shopify App Store must undergo a strict review process before being approved, encompassing functionality, performance, data security, privacy compliance, and overall user experience. This is critical to ensure that apps integrate smoothly with Shopify stores and do not pose risks, such as malware, data misuse, or poor performance. 

Truste apps in the Shopify App Store undergo a strict verification process

In addition to third-party apps, the Shopify App Store also features apps developed directly by Shopify, which are clearly categorized to indicate that they are built and maintained by Shopify’s own development team. These native apps often offer deeper integration and higher reliability. 

Shopify further reinforces trust through transparent user reviews, ratings, and badges such as “Built for Shopify”, helping sellers quickly identify high-quality, well-supported apps. As a result, store owners' confidence to scale their businesses without compromising security or stability. 

Learn more: Top 15 Free Shopify Apps To Skyrocket Your Online Business In 2026

#5. Be One Industry-Leading Fraud Detection & Protection

The final reason that makes many users confidently answer “Yes” to “Is Shopify legit?” is based on its ability to detect and protect against fraud. Shopify has built fraud prevention directly into its infrastructure, leveraging data from billions of transactions across its global seller network. From that, Shopify can easily identify suspicious activity through IP addresses, device behavior, location inconsistencies, velocity patterns, and historical fraud trends for timely warnings. 

For every order, merchants are presented with a clear fraud risk assessment: low, medium, or high, along with detailed indicators that explain why that order may be considered high-risk. With eligible Shop Pay transactions, particularly in the U.S., Shopify automatically covers chargebacks related to fraud. If a protected order is deemed fraudulent, Shopify reimburses both the order amount and chargeback fees, helping scale securely without constant anxiety.

9 Popular Scams About Shopify Stores To Watch Out For

This section will explore the most common scams that both sellers and buyers frequently encounter, along with practical solutions to help avoid them. Right now, let’s take a look with us!

#1. Shopify store duplicator schemes

It is when scammers clone the look, branding, and product listings of legitimate Shopify stores to mislead customers. These fake stores often promote unrealistically low prices to attract quick purchases, then either deliver counterfeit goods or nothing at all. This raises a common concern among shoppers and merchants alike: Is Shopify legit and safe? As explained above, Shopify itself is secure, whereas bad actors exploit its accessibility, making vigilance essential for users.

Shopify store owners should set up Google Alerts to detect copycat stores better

How to avoid it:

• Frequently monitor traffic on your store: Sudden drops in sales, unusual referral sources, or spikes in abandoned checkouts may indicate traffic diversion to a duplicate store. 

• Regularly search for brand impersonation: Manually search for your brand name, product titles, and images on Google, or set up Google Alerts to detect copycat stores. 

• Report infringements immediately: If you discover a cloned Shopify store, submit a report to Shopify’s Trust and Safety team, providing evidence (e.g., URLs, screenshots). 

• Protect your brand legally: Trademark your brand name, logo, and original product visuals to strengthen takedown requests and deter repeat offenders. 

• Educate buyers proactively: Post warnings on social media, send targeted emails, and run ads on your official site to inform them about where to shop safely and securely. 

#2. Triangulation schemes

This type of scam is attractive because the scammer attempts to list popular products at heavily discounted prices on a Shopify store. When an order is placed, they secretly buy the item from another retailer using stolen credit card details and ship it directly to the buyer. Although customers may receive the item, the transaction is illegal. It can result in refunds, chargebacks, or account investigations later, and, of course, the customers will not know why this happened. 

How to avoid it:

• Be skeptical of prices that seem too good to be true: Deep discounts on high-demand or branded products are often a red flag in sales. 

• Research the store thoroughly: Verify contact information, read descriptions, review clear policies, and ensure a consistent brand presence across all channels. 

• Look for seller credibility signals: Reviews, social proof, and a history of legitimate transactions help distinguish real stores from short-lived scam operations. 

#3. Social Media Ads driving to Scam Stores

With the rise of TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram ads, many shoppers are unknowingly directed to scam stores that look professional but are designed to steal personal data. These ads display “too-good-to-be-true” deals using stolen videos, fake reviews, and appealing CTAs. Once again, many users ask, “Is Shopify legit?” The conclusion still lies in how scammers have exploited it. 

Scammers try to run compelling business TikTok ads to drive buyers to scam sites 

How to avoid it:

• Research beyond the ad: Visit the store’s website directly and review its About page, contact details, and return policies before making a purchase.

• Check social proof carefully: Scan ad comments and independent reviews for complaints about non-delivery, poor quality, or unresponsive support.

• Be cautious with impulse-buy offers: Flash sales, countdown timers, and “only today” claims are commonly used to rush decisions.

#4. Fake Return Ticket

It occurs when fraudsters pose as dissatisfied customers to request refunds for allegedly faulty or incorrect items. They submit fabricated return tracking numbers, reused tracking links, or ship empty packages to appear compliant with return requirements. In many cases, merchants issue refunds before physically verifying the return, resulting in lost revenue and inventory. This type of scam is particularly common in Shopify stores that have lenient or automated refund policies.  

How to avoid it:

• Enforce a clear return policy: Clearly outline return conditions, timelines, and refund eligibility to reduce ambiguity and abuse.

• Require valid, verifiable tracking numbers: Confirm tracking details directly with carriers and ensure they match your return address.

• Inspect returns before refunding: Only process refunds after receiving and verifying the returned item’s condition and contents.

#5. No Refund and Return Policy

Is Shopify legit? It is easy to detect through its refund and return policies. Legitimate sellers provide transparent terms that outline their refund, exchange, and return procedures. Scam stores, however, often conceal this information or use vague language, like “all sales are final,” to avoid accountability. When buyers encounter any issues, these stores will not handle them. 

Gymshark builds a professional, detailed return policy page to capture buyers’ trust

How to avoid it:

• Read policies before purchasing: Always review the refund and return policy to confirm eligibility, timelines, and conditions.

• Watch for vague or missing details: Avoid stores with unclear wording or policy pages. 

• Verify customer support access: Legitimate stores clearly display contact information and promptly respond to refund-related inquiries.

Learn more: How to Handle Shipping, Returns, and Refunds for Dropshipping Stores

#6. No Clear Customer Service & Contact

Scam Shopify stores often lack clear, verifiable customer service and contact information. Instead of offering real support channels, they hide behind generic contact forms, unmonitored email addresses, or no contact details at all. This makes it impossible for buyers to resolve issues, such as missing orders, refunds, or disputes. In other words, the operations of these stores intentionally limit communication to avoid accountability once a transaction is completed. 

How to avoid it:

• Check for multiple contact options: Trustworthy stores typically provide an email address, phone number, live chat, or physical business address

• Test customer support before buying: Send a quick inquiry and assess response time. 

• Review the About and Contact pages: Missing business details are warning signs.

#7. SEO Scams

Is Shopify legit? When merchants encounter SEO scams that inject spam links, hidden pages, or malicious code into their online stores, they often ask themselves this question. These attacks are carried out through vulnerable themes or compromised third-party applications, rather than flaws in Shopify itself. The injected content manipulates search rankings, redirects authority, and can trigger search engine penalties, ultimately damaging traffic and revenue. 

How to avoid it:

• Monitor indexed content: Utilize tools like Google Search Console to identify unexpected pages or URLs with excessive spam.

• Verify apps carefully: Install only reputable apps and remove those you no longer use.

• Audit theme files: Regularly inspect headers, footers, and templates for hidden links. 

• Enhance your store security: Enable two-factor authentication and restrict admin access to only essential users.

#8. Fake Purchase Orders

These scams target Shopify merchants who sell high-ticket items, offer business-to-business (B2B) sales, or operate dropshipping stores. Scammers pose as legitimate businesses or bulk customers, submitting professional-looking purchase orders and requesting quick fulfillment. 

The payment method, often a stolen credit card, fraudulent check, or delayed bank transfer, initially appears valid but later fails or is disputed. By the time the issue surfaces, the products have already shipped to customers, leaving merchants with financial losses and chargebacks.

How to avoid it:

• Verify buyer legitimacy: Research the customer or company, check business emails, and confirm contact details before approving large orders.

• Confirm payment clearance: Never ship products until payments fully clear, especially for manual or offline payment methods.

• Be cautious of urgency tactics: Rushed fulfillment requests or pressure to bypass standard procedures are common red flags.

• Flag unusually large or atypical orders: Review bulk or first-time high-value orders manually rather than relying on automation

#9. Direct Client Scheme

Scammers pose as serious buyers, wholesalers, or potential partners. They initiate conversions requesting bulk orders, samples, or special pricing, but their goal is to obtain free products or favorable credit terms without completing payment. These scams rely on trust-building tactics and create a sense of urgency, particularly targeting stores that are eager to secure large deals. 

How to avoid it:

• Assess business authenticity upfront: Review the client’s online presence, corporate email, and verifiable business credentials to ensure authenticity. 

• Avoid free samples without safeguards: Require payment, deposits, or signed agreements for samples or bulk requests.

• Use secure payment terms: Do not offer net terms or discounts to unverified clients.

• Watch for pressure tactics: Be cautious of clients who push for quick decisions or bypass standard checkout processes.

4 Tips to Enable a Safer and Trustworthy Shopify Store

Now that the answer to “Is Shopify legit?” is clear, shoppers and sellers alike can feel confident in the platform itself. However, trust is ultimately built at the store level. By implementing the proper safeguards and transparency measures, you can distinguish your store from scam ones.

#1. Get ratings and reviews about third-party apps before integration

While third-party apps are essential to improve functionality, design, and conversions, they can also introduce security, performance, or compliance risks if chosen carelessly. Before integrating any app into your Shopify store, review its rating, number of installs, update history, and service. Another tip is to prioritize well-reviewed, actively maintained apps, which helps protect your store from vulnerabilities while ensuring a reliable experience for both merchants and shoppers. 

GemPages Landing Page Builder is the #1 landing page tool for Shopify stores

For example, GemPages Landing Page Builder is a top-rated landing page app on Shopify that you can consider when seeking an advanced tool to enhance your Shopify storefront presence. Below are what GemPages can offer to make itself stand out in the Shopify user community: 

• A drag-and-drop Shopify builder, making it intuitive and user-friendly for even beginners

• 200+ CRO templates across industries and a wide range of visual elements

• GemPages Sales Funnel to transform upselling and cross-selling for your Shopify store

• Rated for 4.9/5.0 on the Shopify App Store for security, features, and customer support

• AI-powered Image to Layout to enable a desire, well-structured store layout in a snap

• Seamless integration with the best Shopify apps, such as A/B testing apps (e.g., Gem X: CRO & A/B testing), marketing apps (e.g., Mailchimp), sales apps (e.g., Facebook), dropshipping apps (e.g., Zendrop), and more, to enable a comprehensive workflow

Customize your Shopify store pages your way

The powerful page builder lets you craft unique, high-converting store pages. No coding required.

Start for free

#2. Make transparent pricing and return policies

Customers should never feel surprised by hidden fees, unclear shipping costs, or restrictive refund terms at checkout. It’s essential to display pricing breakdowns, taxes, and delivery expectations upfront, and ensure that your return and refund policies are easily accessible. 

Undoubtedly, transparent policies reduce disputes, chargebacks, and customer anxiety, while signaling professionalism. Most legitimate Shopify stores focus on this perspective as a trust signal, whereas scam stores often conceal or oversimplify their policies to avoid accountability.

#3. Ensure customers know your store is safe

Even if your Shopify store is secure, customers need visible reassurance. Let´s try to display trust badges, SSL encryption indicators, and secure payment logos prominently across your site, especially on product and checkout pages. Don´t forget to include precise contact details, an About page, and customer support information to reinforce legitimacy. Customer reviews and testimonial pages also play a crucial role in perceived safety. When shoppers feel confident that their data and payments are protected, they’re far more likely to complete their purchases faster. 

Displaying genuine reviews from previous customers helps build trust effectively

Learn more: GemPages and SEOAnt ‑ Trust Badges & icon Integration 

#4. Engage customers with social media platforms

You need to maintain consistent, authentic profiles on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, and link them directly to your Shopify store. It´s also recommended to rely on comments, answer customer questions, and share user-generated content to demonstrate transparency. 

Scam eCommerce stores often lack genuine engagement or disappear quickly, whereas legitimate stores foster long-term relationships through social interaction. A visible, responsive social presence reassures customers that your store is active, accountable, and trustworthy.

Learn more: Top 9 common website design mistakes when building or revamping your site

Choose the Right eCommerce Platform: A Quick Comparison

This section provides a quick comparison that highlights features for popular platforms to start your eCommerce business. In fact, Shopify is not the only legit option, and different platforms suit different goals. However, buyer protection and seller tooling vary significantly depending on whether the eCommerce platform is a hosted SaaS, a marketplace, or a self-hosted solution.

Conclusion

At this moment, the answer to “Is Shopify legit?” is surely “Yes”. It is apparent with evidence. While scams can occur at the store level, be mindful of common ones to drive proper solutions. Additionally, follow best practices to build a safe and trustworthy Shopify store from the outset. 

Visit GemPages blogs to learn more about Shopify store optimization, tips, and trusted apps.

Not ready to commit but still want to kick the tires?

No problem! Get started with GemPages' free plan. Explore wonderful features that can amaze for your store.

Start for free

FAQs

Is it safe to buy from Shopify?

Definitely yes. Shopify itself is a legitimate platform with robust security measures, including SSL encryption, PCI compliance, and fraud detection. These features help protect both merchants and buyers during transactions. However, Shopify hosts millions of independent stores, so the level of safety ultimately depends on the individual store’s practices.

Will Shopify refund me if I got scammed?

Shopify does not directly handle refunds for transactions between buyers and individual stores. Refunds are processed by the store owner or through the payment provider used, such as Shopify Payments or credit card chargebacks. Shopify may offer limited protection for Shop Pay transactions in certain regions, but buyers should always verify store legitimacy and follow proper buyer protection steps.

How do I know if I got scammed on Shopify?

There are several common signs of potential scams to watch for, including:
• Not receiving your order or tracking showing suspicious activity
• Poor communication from the seller or missing valid contact details
• Requests for unusual payment methods outside Shopify Payments
• Incredibly low prices on high-demand products

Topics: 

Shopify Guide