Great article and as always this raises more questions! While Googling I have read a little about people inputting fake details like you suggest for the contact phone numbers, and I have seen people suggest adding fake customer middle names to your orders, and even providing fake passport ID mock-ups.
I’m concerned along with many others about handing over scanned documents and photos to Ali Express. I have not launched my Shopify store yet and I am still on my 60 day free trial period (yes it actually worked). I recently tried being proactive and purchasing some Ali Pocket for over $100 and was instantly blocked, and the order eventually timed out. I have gone to the trouble of successfully applying and receiving my first UK adult passport. However despite this I am reluctant to upload something that could potentially lead to ID theft. So it feels like a catch 22 situation. I’m sure they cannot actually cross reference the photo and information contained on the passport ID book. Maybe I should blur out anything I do not wish to be potentially stolen?
My credit cards and bank account are in good standing, and I have had them for more than twenty years, apart from one of the credit cards. A business friend advised me to visit and discuss my business and plans with a bank advisor, and then to apply for a second bank current account. He also advised setting up a second personal PayPal account. Also do you have any advice when applying for stripe and avoiding any problems?