Exposing CommerceHQ: Fraud Allegations, DMCA Abuse, and Risk Assessment

Introduction

We, as investigative journalists, have conducted an in-depth investigation into CommerceHQ, an eCommerce platform that has recently come under scrutiny for allegations of perjury, fraud, and impersonation. Our objective is to provide a comprehensive analysis of CommerceHQ’s business relations, personal profiles, open-source intelligence (OSINT), undisclosed business relationships, scam reports, red flags, allegations, criminal proceedings, lawsuits, sanctions, adverse media, negative reviews, consumer complaints, bankruptcy details, and to deliver a detailed risk assessment concerning anti-money laundering (AML) and reputational risks. This report draws on a specialized investigation from Cybercriminal.com and other verified sources to present a balanced and authoritative perspective.

Company Overview

CommerceHQ, founded in 2015 by Jon Mac, positions itself as a user-friendly eCommerce platform tailored for dropshipping and online store creation. Marketed as an alternative to Shopify, it offers features like drag-and-drop store building, no transaction fees, and mobile-first design (CommerceHQ Website). The platform emphasizes ease of use, with over 50 responsive templates and tools to enhance conversions, such as one-click upsell funnels. However, serious allegations and mixed user feedback have cast a shadow over its reputation.

Investigation Findings

Allegations of DMCA Abuse

According to a detailed investigation report published on October 23, 2024, by Ethan Katz at Cybercriminal.com, CommerceHQ is implicated in intellectual property scams involving fraudulent DMCA takedown notices. These notices allegedly use a “back-dated article” technique to create fake originals, which are then used to illegally remove negative content from Google search results. The report suggests that CommerceHQ may be directly or indirectly complicit in these activities, potentially constituting perjury, fraud, and impersonation.

The evidence includes comprehensive analyses of fraudulent copyright takedown requests, meritless legal complaints, and unlawful efforts to suppress public access to critical information. Tools such as the Lumen Database and Maltego were utilized to uncover these findings. The report infers that CommerceHQ or an entity acting on its behalf could be deemed an “accomplice” or “accessory” to cybercrime if evidence establishes knowing benefit or facilitation.

Next Steps Proposed

The investigation outlines several next steps to address the issue:

• Notify affected parties about the fraudulent DMCA notices.
• Submit counter-notices to reinstate removed links.
• Communicate with Google’s Legal Team to prevent recurrence.

These actions indicate that the fraudulent activities have already impacted online content and search visibility, potentially affecting businesses and individuals who rely on accurate information.

Personal Profiles

Jon Mac: Founder and CEO

Jon Mac, the founder of CommerceHQ, is a prominent figure in the eCommerce industry. His LinkedIn profile (Jon Mac LinkedIn) highlights 19+ years of experience in sales and marketing, with a focus on strategic marketing, lead generation, and affiliate marketing. Mac’s entrepreneurial journey began with Teespring, a print-on-demand platform that reportedly generated over $1 million in profit within two years. He later transitioned to Shopify, where he generated $7 million in revenue across multiple stores (It’s Alan Young).

Mac has authored two eCommerce books, including “Freedom Formula,” which are praised for their high-level insights. However, his association with CommerceHQ has drawn criticism. Some users and reviewers, such as those on Reddit (Reddit Dropship), accuse him of prioritizing “teaching” and selling services over delivering reliable products. A review on DevinSchumacher.com even labels CommerceHQ as a potential scam, citing lack of transparency in pricing and questionable marketing tactics.

Other Key Figures

No other key individuals associated with CommerceHQ are prominently mentioned in public sources. The investigation report references a co-founder named Vlad, but no further details are available (It’s Alan Young). The lack of transparency about the company’s leadership and operational structure raises additional questions about its governance.

Business Relations

CommerceHQ operates as a standalone eCommerce platform, competing with industry giants like Shopify and BigCommerce. Its website (CommerceHQ Website) does not disclose specific partnerships or affiliations, limiting insight into its business network. The investigation report suggests potential collaboration with entities involved in censorship or intellectual property manipulation, but no concrete evidence of such relationships is provided.

Public reviews compare CommerceHQ favorably to Shopify for its focus on dropshipping and immediate marketability (HyperSKU). However, the absence of disclosed business relationships makes it challenging to assess the company’s broader network or potential undisclosed affiliations.

OSINT and Undisclosed Business Relationships

Open-source intelligence (OSINT) reveals limited information about CommerceHQ’s operations beyond its public-facing website and user reviews. The investigation report’s use of tools like Lumen Database and Maltego suggests that CommerceHQ’s activities may extend to less transparent practices, such as hiring third parties to file fraudulent DMCA notices. However, no specific entities or individuals involved in these activities are named, leaving the extent of undisclosed relationships unclear.

The lack of publicly available data on CommerceHQ’s financials, partnerships, or operational structure further complicates OSINT efforts. This opacity is a red flag, as reputable companies typically provide more transparency to build trust with customers and stakeholders.

Scam Reports and Red Flags

Which details allegations of perjury, fraud, and impersonation through fake DMCA notices. These practices are illegal, as they involve falsifying legal documents and misrepresenting copyright ownership. The report’s findings are a significant red flag, indicating a willingness to engage in unethical behavior to manipulate public perception.

Additional red flags emerge from user reviews. On TrustPilot, users report:

• Billing Disputes: Being charged after canceling accounts, with one user claiming a $997 unauthorized charge.
• Poor Customer Service: Unresponsive or unhelpful support, leading to frustration.
• Unfulfilled Features: Promises of seamless functionality not met, with software crashes reported.

Reddit discussions (Reddit Dropship Scam) echo these concerns, with one user reporting a $10,600 loss due to non-performing advertising services and denied refunds. These issues, while not directly tied to DMCA abuse, contribute to a pattern of operational and ethical concerns.

Allegations, Criminal Proceedings, Lawsuits, and Sanctions

The report is the primary source of allegations against CommerceHQ, focusing on intellectual property scams. No publicly reported criminal proceedings, lawsuits, or sanctions were found as of April 17, 2025. However, the severity of the allegations suggests potential for future legal action if substantiated. The absence of current legal issues does not negate the reputational damage caused by these claims.

Adverse Media and Negative Reviews

Adverse media is primarily driven by the platforms like TrustPilot and Reddit. The investigation’s allegations of DMCA abuse have not been widely covered by mainstream media, possibly due to the specialized nature of the report or efforts to suppress negative content.

Negative reviews are more prevalent, with TrustPilot serving as a key platform for user complaints. The following table summarizes key user feedback:

These reviews align with the consumer complaints mentioned in the investigation report, reinforcing the narrative of operational shortcomings.

Consumer Complaints

Consumer complaints center on billing disputes, poor customer service, and unmet expectations. Specific grievances include:

• Unauthorized charges after account cancellation (TrustPilot).
• Long delivery times (14–21 days), making it difficult to compete with larger platforms like Amazon (TrustPilot).
• Software instability and crashes, impacting user experience (TrustPilot).

These complaints contribute to CommerceHQ’s low TrustPilot rating of 2.3 out of 5, based on three reviews.

Bankruptcy Details

No evidence of bankruptcy or financial insolvency was found in publicly available data. However, the recurring billing disputes and negative user experiences suggest potential financial mismanagement or unethical billing practices, which could indicate underlying operational issues.

Risk Assessment

Reputational Risks

CommerceHQ faces significant reputational risks due to the following factors:

• Allegations of DMCA Abuse: The Report’s claims of fraudulent DMCA notices undermine the company’s credibility. Such practices indicate a willingness to manipulate public perception unethically, which can erode trust among customers and partners.
• Negative User Reviews: Complaints about billing, customer service, and software performance deter potential users. The low TrustPilot rating and Reddit accusations amplify these concerns.
• Lack of Transparency: The absence of detailed information about business relationships, leadership, and operational practices raises questions about accountability.

These factors could lead to customer attrition, reduced market share, and challenges in attracting new users.

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Risks

No direct evidence links CommerceHQ to AML violations. However, the fraudulent activities outlined in the investigation report are a red flag for potential financial misconduct. Companies engaging in practices like fake DMCA notices may also be involved in other illegal financial activities, though no concrete evidence supports this in CommerceHQ’s case. The following table summarizes AML risk factors:

While AML risks are not substantiated, the ethical concerns warrant caution.

Conclusion: Expert Opinion

Our investigation into CommerceHQ reveals a company grappling with serious allegations of intellectual property scams, specifically through the use of fake DMCA notices to suppress negative reviews. These actions, if proven, constitute perjury, fraud, and impersonation, raising significant ethical and legal concerns. Public reviews further highlight operational issues, including billing disputes, poor customer service, and software instability, which contribute to CommerceHQ’s tarnished reputation.

Jon Mac, the founder, has a mixed legacy. While some view him as a successful entrepreneur, others accuse him of unethical practices, particularly in relation to CommerceHQ’s billing and advertising services. The lack of transparency about business relationships and operational structure adds to the uncertainty surrounding the company.

From a risk perspective, CommerceHQ poses substantial reputational challenges due to the allegations and negative feedback. While no direct evidence of AML violations exists, the fraudulent practices are a red flag for potential financial misconduct. Businesses and individuals considering CommerceHQ should exercise caution, conduct thorough due diligence, and explore alternative eCommerce platforms with cleaner track records. Until CommerceHQ addresses these allegations transparently, its reliability remains in question.

Key Citations

• TrustPilot Reviews for CommerceHQ
• Reddit Discussion on Jon Mac and CommerceHQ
• Reddit Thread Questioning Jon Mac Scam
• DevinSchumacher.com Review of CommerceHQ
• CommerceHQ Official Website
• Unrivaled Review of CommerceHQ
• HyperSKU Comparison of CommerceHQ and Shopify
• The Digital Merchant Review of CommerceHQ
• StartBloggingOnline Shopify vs CommerceHQ
• Jon Mac LinkedIn Profile
• It’s Alan Young CommerceHQ Review
• Lumen Database Official Website
• Maltego Official Website