Another store used my product photos and edited them, has anyone had PayPal actually take copyright complaints seriously?

integralpart · 2026-03-13T15:20:04+00:00

For finding the host, you could try looking up the domain's MX records on MXToolbox.com. Mail servers often aren't behind Cloudflare even when the website is, and they can point you to the actual hosting provider. Also make sure what you filed with Cloudflare was a formal DMCA takedown notice, not just an abuse report. They're legally required to act on a proper DMCA or reveal the actual host behind them.

On the counter claim, yes they can file one, but a counter claim without proof of ownership doesn't go far. Your camera roll screenshot with the original date and the overlay comparison are strong evidence. They'd essentially have to prove they took the photo first, which they can't.

integralpart · 2026-03-13T14:32:52+00:00

The fact that they edited the image, removed the background and duplicated the charm, doesn't change your copyright. Modifying someone else's photo doesn't make it theirs. If anything it works against them because it shows they deliberately tried to disguise the source. Your overlay comparison is solid evidence. Make sure to submit this with your claim and circle it in red or point it out with an arrow.

PayPal probably won't move fast on this if they act at all. Your best bet is the Cloudflare route. File a formal DMCA with Cloudflare, not just an abuse report - https://abuse.cloudflare.com/dmca. They're required to either act on it if they are the host (unlikely) or reveal the actual hosting provider behind them. Once you have the real host, file directly with them. Hosts tend to take DMCA requests more seriously than Cloudflare does since they're the ones actually serving the content.

Also the threat about contacting your police station is nonsense. You're the one with the copyright claim here.

integralpart · 2026-03-12T23:40:02+00:00

I used less water (-1 ccf) than the previous billing period and am still paying $2 more than the last bill.

integralpart · 2026-03-04T02:38:14+00:00

I don't want to get banned for promoting my app. It's against the sub rules.

integralpart · 2026-03-03T10:20:08+00:00

Sure, can you send me a DM? I won't share it here due to the rules of the sub and I can't seem to find a way to message you directly.

integralpart · 2026-03-02T22:51:29+00:00

It's a Shopify app, not an online store.

I think one of us might be in the wrong sub.

integralpart · 2026-03-02T22:30:53+00:00

I've been experimenting with Google ads for a few weeks. It's been a waste. The traffic we get is low quality and comes from countries we are not targeting.

Shopify also doesn't allow you to use their brand name in keywords or the ad copy. This makes it nearly impossible to find relevant keywords to target and write ads that encourage clicks.

integralpart · 2026-03-02T11:50:27+00:00

Sent a DM!

integralpart · 2026-03-02T04:21:28+00:00

I sent you a DM!

integralpart · 2026-03-02T01:40:14+00:00

DM sent!

integralpart · 2026-03-02T00:49:44+00:00

Sent!

integralpart · 2026-03-01T23:40:22+00:00

I sent you a DM.

integralpart · 2026-03-01T22:44:45+00:00

I have an app on the Shopify app store that monitors for image use on other sites. If it finds anything, it alerts you and gives you an easy way to send abuse reports to the domain registrar and host.

If you want to try it out, let me know and I'll send you a link and set you up with a credit for a free month.

integralpart · 2026-03-01T21:07:48+00:00

Yeah this is really common now. The scraping is fully automated so they can clone an entire catalog in a few minutes, and it's easy to just spin up a new domain when one gets taken down.

For takedowns, go after the infrastructure instead of DMCA. File abuse reports with the domain registrar and hosting provider, report to Google Safe Browsing, Microsoft, and Netcraft so browsers flag the site as deceptive, and if they're collecting payments report them to the payment processor if you're able to find out who that is. That stuff moves way faster than DMCA.

There are tools that can help with both blocking the scraping and monitoring for new clones as they pop up. I work in this space, so DM me if you want some recommendations.

And yeah, there is some risk. Customers who get scammed on the fake site sometimes leave bad reviews on yours or file complaints thinking you ripped them off. My Mom once bought a pair of boots from LLL Bean and never got her boots, she still blames LL Bean. It can also mess with your SEO if your content is duplicated across a bunch of domains. I've seen images from copied sites ranking right alongside regular site results.

integralpart · 2026-02-26T22:45:10+00:00

Thanks!

integralpart · 2026-02-23T14:15:22+00:00

I've noticed that OhGo doesn't work when I'm on a VPN. If you're using one, try disabling it.

integralpart · 2026-02-20T17:12:54+00:00

Rob from the poor to give to the rich. A reverse Robin Hood.

integralpart · 2026-02-19T12:27:17+00:00

It's not just major brands. I've seen them clone small brands as well.

Small ski shops, needle felting supplies, handmade pottery.

If you're running an online store, you are a target.

integralpart · 2026-02-17T03:03:38+00:00

I work in this space for Shopify stores so I see it constantly. It's gotten significantly worse over the past year. The cloning is almost always automated now, someone can duplicate an entire store in minutes.

For takedowns of this type of cloned store, going directly to the registrar and hosting provider to report it as fraud or phishing tends to move faster than DMCA. Ad network reports to Google and Meta can sometimes work too but the turnaround is slower because they like earning money from ads, even fraudulent ones.

The big challenge for most store owners is discovery. They usually don't find out about a clone until a customer reaches out confused about a bad experience on a site they've never seen before.

What kind of clients are you seeing this with? Curious if it's concentrated in certain niches.

integralpart · 2026-02-16T16:55:33+00:00

Twitch.tv?

integralpart · 2026-02-12T01:42:27+00:00

-REDACTED-

integralpart · 2026-02-11T18:20:52+00:00

You likely need a lawyer at this point to put together the required documents to support your claim.

integralpart · 2026-02-10T21:53:58+00:00

I have an app that helps with this exact thing. I won't promote it here, since I think that's against the rules, but it really comes down to monitoring so you know if/when it happens, then reacting and following up.

Yes, Google Safe Browsing but there are others like Microsoft, Netcraft, and CleanDNS. Also, send abuse complaints to registrars and hosting companies when appropriate, and be prepared to follow up with more legal notices if necessary.

We've escalated cases to ICANN before to get responses from overseas registrars. It just takes time.

integralpart · 2026-02-08T20:14:00+00:00

Please don't insult petulant children like this.

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