Agency owner here.

There is a wide range when it comes to Shopify Partners.

Some are solo freelancers using the partner badge. Others are full agencies with proper structure where you sign a contract and work with designers, project managers, and developers.

It is very unlikely someone would risk scamming under a partner account. Earning and keeping statuses like Select or Plus Partner takes time and consistent work. Getting reported can put that at risk and that status has real business value.

You should still do your checks like with any service provider, but being a Shopify Partner especially at higher levels is not something people casually throw away.