Q: How can I tell if an email from Shopify is legitimate or spam?
A: If you’ve received an email that seems unusual or too scary, don’t panic! It's always important to double-check before taking any action. Here's how you can tell if the email is from Shopify or if it's potentially spam:
1. Check the Sender’s Email Address
The most important step is to check the sender’s email address. Legitimate Shopify emails will always come from an official Shopify domain. Look for emails coming from:
@shopify.com
@shopify.ca
Be cautious of emails from addresses that look suspicious, such as strange variations of the Shopify domain or unrelated domains. For example, an email from [email protected] is likely not legitimate.
2. Look for Generic or Urgent Language
Scammers often create a sense of urgency or use generic language like "Immediate action required" or "Account suspended" to trick you into clicking links or giving away personal information.
Real Shopify emails will never ask for your personal information, password, or payment details directly via email.
3. Check for Typos or Errors
Official Shopify emails are professionally written and free of grammatical errors. If the email is filled with spelling mistakes or awkward phrasing, it could be a sign of spam.
4. Inspect the Links
Hover your mouse over any links in the email without clicking them to check where they lead. If the URL looks suspicious or doesn’t direct to a Shopify domain, don’t click on it.
For instance, links that take you to websites that aren't Shopify’s official platform are a red flag.
5. Ask Yourself: Did You Expect This Email?
If the email is about something you weren’t expecting—like an unexpected refund, an account issue, or an unfamiliar service—it’s worth being extra cautious. Shopify will typically only send emails about things you've requested or are aware of.
6. Verify with Shopify Support
If you’re unsure about an email, reach out to Shopify’s official customer support team. They’ll be happy to confirm whether the email is legitimate or if it’s spam. Use the contact information found directly on the Shopify website to avoid potential phishing scams.
7. Don’t Open Attachments or Download Files
Avoid downloading any attachments or opening any files in suspicious emails. These could contain malware or viruses designed to steal your information.
Q: What should I do if I suspect an email is spam?
A: If you believe you've received a spam email that’s pretending to be from Shopify, follow these steps:
Do not click any links or open any attachments.
Mark the email as spam in your email provider.
Delete the email from your inbox to avoid accidentally engaging with it.
Report it to Shopify using their official support contact to help them investigate the issue.
By staying vigilant and following these steps, you can protect yourself and your Shopify store from potential threats. Always take a moment to verify before taking any action in response to an email!