Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers about ShieldMailBox plans, mail handling, scans, privacy, and support.
What is ShieldMailBox?
ShieldMailBox is a virtual mailbox service. We receive eligible mail at your assigned mailbox, log it, and let you request available actions such as scanning, forwarding, pickup, or shredding through your dashboard.
Which names can receive mail?
Only the personal and business names registered to your mailbox may receive mail. Keep these names current so that mail can be correctly identified and handled.
Can I use my ShieldMailBox address for business registration, CRA, and banking?
Yes, absolutely. Your assigned suite number at our commercial facility is an official physical street address (not a PO Box). You can use it for:
- Government & Corporate Filings: Federal incorporation with Corporations Canada, Ontario provincial business registration (ServiceOntario / OBR), and online filing services (Ownr).
- Tax & Regulatory: Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Business Number (BN), corporate income tax (T2), GST/HST accounts, and payroll accounts.
- Banking & Finance: Opening Canadian business bank accounts with RBC, TD, BMO, Scotiabank, CIBC, or credit unions.
- Payment Gateways & Merchant Processors: Stripe, PayPal, Square, Shopify, and Amazon seller accounts.
- Commercial Operations: Invoices, client contracts, marketing materials, website footers, and courier package intake.
Can I list my ShieldMailBox address on Google Maps or Google Business Profile?
Public Storefront Pins are Prohibited: You cannot publish our facility's address as a public physical storefront pin on Google Maps. Under Google's official Business Profile guidelines, virtual offices, mailboxes, and PO boxes cannot display a public map pin because customers cannot walk in unannounced during business hours to meet your permanent on-site staff. Publishing a public storefront pin violates Google's policies and will cause Google to permanently suspend your business profile. It also violates our facility Terms of Service.
Permitted Compliant Option — Service Area Business (SAB): You can still use Google Business Profile to build local SEO and collect customer reviews by configuring your profile as a Service Area Business (SAB). When setting up your profile, specify the geographic cities or postal districts you serve (e.g., Mississauga, Toronto, GTA) and select the setting to hide your physical street address from the public. This gives your business map search visibility, local ranking, and customer reviews while remaining 100% compliant with Google's guidelines and our facility rules.
What should I do if I already created a public Google Maps pin for this address?
If you previously published a public pin with our address, you should update it immediately to prevent Google from suspending your listing:
- Open your Google Business Profile dashboard.
- Go to Edit profile > Location.
- Turn "Show business address to customers" OFF.
- Add your service areas under the Service area tab (e.g., your city, province, or target market regions).
- Save changes. Your listing will remain active and verified, but the physical address will be hidden from public map viewers.
How do I start a subscription?
Choose a plan, provide the requested account and registered-name information, then complete checkout through Stripe. All plans start with a 7-day free trial, so you will not be charged today. After checkout is completed, your mailbox is provisioned and you can log in to your dashboard.
Can I cancel my subscription?
Yes. Use the cancellation option in your dashboard. Your subscription remains active until the end of the current billing period unless we tell you otherwise.
What happens when mail arrives?
Eligible incoming items are logged in your dashboard. From there, you can request the actions available for that item and your plan. You are responsible for keeping your account and forwarding details accurate.
How do scans work, and how long are they kept?
When you request a scan, a staff member uploads the requested document to your mailbox dashboard. Scan files are scheduled for deletion seven days after upload. Download any document you need before that deadline.
Can you forward mail or parcels?
Yes, where forwarding is available. Provide a complete destination address and select or supply the relevant carrier details. Carrier charges, delivery times, tracking, and carrier service terms apply.
Where is my information stored?
Our primary application data—including account profiles, mailbox logs, and requested scan files—is stored in our MongoDB Atlas Canada Central (Toronto) deployment. The application is hosted by Render. Stripe processes payments, and Resend sends transactional emails. See our Privacy Policy for more detail.
Is all data stored only in Canada?
Primary application data is stored in our MongoDB Atlas Canada Central (Toronto) deployment. However, some providers that help operate the service, such as payment, email, analytics, application-hosting, or delivery providers, may process limited information in other jurisdictions. Information handled there can be subject to the laws of those jurisdictions.
Do you store my credit-card number?
No. Stripe handles checkout and recurring payment processing. ShieldMailBox does not receive or store full payment-card numbers.
How do you protect my account?
We use password hashing, authenticated access, role-based staff permissions, restricted database network access, and other safeguards designed for the sensitivity of the information. Use a unique, strong password and do not share it.
How can I update my information or make a privacy request?
You can update certain details in your dashboard. For access, correction, deletion, or privacy requests, email support@shieldmailbox.ca. We may need to verify your identity before responding.
How can I get support?
Email support@shieldmailbox.ca with your account email and a description of the issue. Do not send passwords or payment-card details by email.
Need more detail? Read our Privacy Policy or Terms of Service.