Shopify's fraud analysis tools can flag high-risk orders, but they don't catch everything. If you've been running a store long enough, you already know that.
Merchants on forums often compare notes about how fraud still gets through: orders that look totally normal but turn into chargebacks weeks later. Some get hit by repeat buyers using multiple emails. Others face device spoofing tactics that bypass the basic browser fingerprinting Shopify uses. And sometimes, the problem is just volume, too many orders and not enough time to double-check each one.
So, what's actually missing from Shopify's fraud system?
Common Blind Spots in Shopify's Fraud Detection
1. Repeat Offenders Look "New" to Shopify
Shopify checks for basic signs of risk, such as IP mismatch, multiple cards per device, etc., but if someone knows how to change devices, emails, or IPs, they can make each order look like it's coming from a first-time buyer.
Real sellers have caught on to this. One person mentioned noticing similar shipping addresses and product combos on separate orders. Another tracked usernames that mimicked past fraud patterns. Shopify won't connect these dots for you, but if you've got the patience, you can.
2. Device Spoofing and VPNs Can Fool Basic Risk Signals
Shopify's fraud engine relies partly on IP addresses and device fingerprints. But with browser extensions and virtual machines, fraudsters can easily mask their identity. A fresh IP and new browser profile make them look clean... At least to Shopify.
That's how a merchant lost $2,000 to a fraud ring. The orders passed Shopify's checks, but the buyer later reversed the transactions. Only after digging into the logs did they realize all the orders came from a small range of spoofed devices using rotating IPs.
3. Lack of Context From External Signals
Shopify's fraud analysis doesn't include external fraud databases or signals from other stores. That means if a buyer just ripped off a merchant on another platform using the same card, address, or device, Shopify won't flag it.
What Real Sellers Are Doing About It
Here's what sellers in high-risk niches (and even low-risk ones getting hit with friendly fraud) are actually doing to catch what Shopify misses:
1. Manual Review Isn't Dead Yet
It takes time, but if your average order value is high, it's worth scanning orders that look even slightly off. Some merchants build quick checklists: shipping/billing mismatch, rushed shipping on expensive items, odd email formats, etc.
If something looks off, they'll call the number on the order or Google the address. It's not scalable, but it's effective when used on suspicious patterns.
2. Tagging and Tracking Behavior Over Time
Instead of relying on Shopify's alerts, some store owners tag risky orders and track behavior over time. If an email domain keeps showing up on chargebacks or certain product combos, which leads to more fraud, they create rules in Shopify Flow or other automation tools. This helps flag recurring patterns, even when the individual orders look clean on the surface.
3. Using a Dedicated Fraud Tool
Third-party fraud prevention tools analyze behavioral data beyond what Shopify sees. They also incorporate machine learning trained in thousands of stores. Some tools offer pre-checkout screening, device fingerprinting, velocity checks, and global fraud blacklists.
Bottom Line: Shopify's Fraud Filter Is a Start, Not a Strategy
Shopify's fraud detection does a decent job at basic filtering. But it's not built to catch experienced fraudsters, organized rings, or repeat offenders using slightly tweaked identities.
If fraud is eating into your profits, it's not just about flipping a setting in Shopify. You need to layer manual checks, behavior tracking, and (sometimes) a more powerful fraud solution.
Safeguard Your Business From Fraud with Chargeblast
Fraud often turns into chargebacks, and that's where Chargeblast comes in. Our platform integrates directly with Shopify to help you catch risky transactions early and respond faster when disputes happen. You'll get real-time alerts, automated evidence collection, and tools to spot fraud patterns that Shopify misses.
Ready to keep more of your revenue? Book a demo below, and let's fix the blind spots in your fraud defenses.
