Mutiple Accounts suspended....

[WookiePack]

We have been running several accounts for the last 8-12 months. One account was suspended this morning and then quickly following that our other accounts were suspended for "being related to an account that cannot be used to sell on Amazon". We had purchased ghost months ago and did the following.

1. each account is run on it's own laptop.
2. each account is under a relative/friends name/SS
3. each account has it's own CC on file
4. each account has it's own address
5. each account has it's own deposit bank account
6. all but one laptop uses a VPN (the account that was shut down to trigger this did not use a VPN, damn Google Chromebook was painfully slow on VPN, but it was the only laptop not using the VPN.

So theory's on how all the accounts were linked?

Since these accounts are not true ghost accounts but actually owned by real people that can prove it, what are the chances Amazon will reinstate the accounts that were closed due to association (however that happened).

Any help would be epic here...

[booras]

Same inventory? similar items?

[booras]

And how you was open the emails of all of them?

[WookiePack]

One account had zero crossover product and the other accounts maybe 20% crossover product, I cant see that as being the reason. Since all our accounts were shut down within a hour of each other.

Emails were opened on one cell phone device, but never replied to, only to view. All correspondence was done though Amazon seller central or logging into gmail/yahoo account. I cant see that as a way to link all the accounts by Amazon either.

Only thing I can think of is maybe VPN fail. But even this I find highly unlikely, especially on this many accounts at once.

[rsot]

The CC was always valid? Could pass test charges no problem?

When you opened the e-mails on the cell phone, did you disable images/flash objects/beacons?

[BigCJ]

Emails were opened on one cell phone device, but never replied to, only to view

That may be the culprit. I remember reading that amazon has beacons and whatnot. Did you have images enabled?

[WookiePack]

opened on an iPhone. nothing in Ghost suggesting not to do this and I was unaware of any way Amazon could trace emails like that.

[WookiePack]

and yes, all CC on the accounts are valid and can/do accept charges. I cannot imagine this would link all accounts.

The cell phone thing might be it, if this is true... I open all emails on one device to track FBA inventory landing and any customer emails or Amazon problems.

Sucks cuz now FBA is not accepting new inventory from new accounts until mid Dec even if I got a new account opened up today. Cant compete doing seller fulfilled.

[BigCJ]

But are you disabling the images from opening up in the phone? If the images can still show through on the phone and are not disabled then amazon probably put beacons on the phone.

Are you using Gmail? It has an option to disable images.

[elmo]

If you are the sole seller on multiple items shared across multiple accounts, that is most likely the way you got linked. Selling same products that others aren't selling seems to be a common way of getting linked these days

[booras]

Emails were opened on one cell phone device, but never replied to, only to view. All correspondence was done though Amazon seller central or logging into gmail/yahoo account. I cant see that as a way to link all the accounts by Amazon either.

This can be the reason.. you need block remote content in the message's and not much apps know do that auto on iPhone..
This can block all accounts so fast. so easy to link..

[WookiePack]

Elmo... I not the sole seller on multiple items on multiple accounts, all our products compete with other sellers constantly.

Looks like the cell phone would be the culprit. It's the only thing that makes any sense at all. Maybe add this to the Ghost guide... just a suggestion.

[WookiePack]

Anyone have any guesses on if we will be able to get the linked accounts back open? They are owned by actual people that can verify identity. No TRUE ghost accounts. All friends and family.

Thoughts?

[BigCJ]

Dont use friends and family names...ever.

[elmo]

Usually linked accounts are toast. Sometimes they give you the option to keep 1 open and close the others.

[muzzie]

I think that your VPN got disconnected for 1 sec, and made you toast.

[WookiePack]

Muzzie, no way all the accounts came off VPN... We never log into 2 accounts at once. And we are very diligent about VPN, I could see 1 or 2... Maybe, but not all of them.

Big CJ - Ghost recommends this as its first option, and even if they are operated off the same router/modem but owned/managed by individuals how is this actually a violation of policy if everyone is operating their own account?

[jane]

it's your iphone caused this problem.
log into 2 acounts at same time usually won't cause link.
what a waste.
don't use your friend and family name, never ever.
if u use VPN, use VPN killer too, just in case VPN drop off.
by the way, don't need to reply email instantly. i just do it once in 24hr, even 48hr. no problem at all.

[feelguk]

first ask support. And insist "I heven't any other accounts"

[rsot]

Originally Posted by feelguk

first ask support. And insist "I heven't any other accounts"

Support does not do much sadly

[Kajunrook]

Cut to the chase. If phone is the only thing linking accounts, THEN the phone was the problem. Seems fairly simple to me.

[wooha]

How did you structure your return products address? Was it FBA or MF?