Weird message from helper Bob?

[CrazyQueenShop]

I just got a strange message from some helper Bob I'm new to Etsy so my boyfriend also has a at the account under a different name of course and he warned me about this is this true that this is some kind of a bad thing he wants me to reinstate my shop because it says my shop is temporarily suspended suspicious activity blah blah blah can you tell me what's going on with this community help

[EightMileVintage]

Your shop is active, not suspended. Your post is a bit garbled but I assume someone is trying to scam you. Don't click on any links they send and do not send them any info. 

[TheVintagePineapple]

It's a scam message that should be put into your spam folder.   New sellers have been getting these scammy messages for over a year now.  Be aware that you might receive more sooner or later.

Bob the Helper is lying when he says your shop is suspended and whatever else he mentioned.   Your shop is open.

Protect Your Account With These Security Tips - Welcome to the Etsy Community

[ThePurplePuppy · Accepted solution]

It's a scam attempt to get your financial information. Put it in the spam folder and ignore.

[BagmakerSupply]

@CrazyQueenShop: New and incomplete shops such as yours are prime targets for the scammers.

You can always check if your shop is suspended by going to your shop home page. If it is, none of your listings will be available and they will be replaced by a message put up by Etsy.

As others have mentioned, you no doubt received a scam attempt. Real messages from Etsy are now going into their own section (labeled as "From Etsy") on your Messages page when using a browser or have a colored blurb of text on the Message, saying "From Etsy" if using the app https://community.etsy.com/t5/Announcements/New-From-Etsy-section-in-Messages/m-p/143722497#M1899

As an aside, it appears from other reports than an incomplete shop like yours (no about, policies, location) ranks much worse in organic Etsy search.

[VintageRescueSquad]

Total scam. Who would pay any attention to "Helper Bob"???

Real messages from etsy will be in the "from etsy" section of your inbox. Anything else is bogus.

[PristinityJewelry]

There is nothing wrong with your Etsy shop.  It's up and running.

Go to your messages page from your seller dashboard.  If the message isn't in the "From Etsy" inbox, then it is a scam.  Likewise, if it came direct to your email address (not through Etsy messages) it is also a scam.

"...can you tell me what's going on with this community..."

There is nothing wrong or "going on" with this community.  For many months, scammers have been targeting sellers, particularly new sellers.  Their thinking being, newbies will be more naive, and overly eager to get that first sale, and readily comply with their phishing attempts.

Not much Etsy can do about it, customers are free to contact you through Etsy.  The same as can be done on any selling site.

Good on you for being wary.  Well played.

[ACertainFeel]

Take the time to read through the Forums and you will find out a lot of valuable information. This way you can educate your boyfriend on things he may not even know about. 

[CrazyQueenShop]

Thank you so much

[CrazyQueenShop]

Thank you so much

[CraftyCornishMaids]

If it is not in the "from etsy" folder, as well as the inbox, it's not from etsy,,

mark it as spam, and move on.

.......

your boyfriend does not need to warn you, Etsy already does, this is under every single message

To stay protected, stay on Etsy. Never follow links to other sites, and don’t share contact, account, or financial info with anyone in Messages. Learn how to spot spam.