Shopping on AliExpress can offer incredible deals, but staying alert for potential scams is essential. Many buyers face challenges ranging from fake tracking numbers to misleading refund requests. In this article, we'll discuss the most common types of fraud on AliExpress and provide practical solutions to protect yourself at every step.
1. PayPal Scam
After you place an order, a seller contacts you and suggests paying via PayPal instead of AliExpress's system. While this might sound convenient, it bypasses AliExpress's protections.
Why it's a scam:
Once you pay off the platform, you lose access to AliExpress dispute services. If the seller doesn't deliver or sends the wrong item, there's no easy way to get help.
How to protect yourself:
- Use only the official AliExpress payment system.
- If a seller insists on PayPal, decline and report them.
Keeping payments within AliExpress safeguards your transaction from start to finish.
2. Extra Fees Scam
After you place your order, the seller contacts you with a message saying they can't ship the item unless you pay an additional fee. They might claim the fee is for shipping, customs, or unforeseen costs, but none of this was mentioned when you initially checked out.
Why it's a scam:
These demands are often a way for sellers to extract more money without guaranteeing you'll receive your item. They also violate AliExpress's policies, which require transparency of all costs at the time of purchase.
How to protect yourself:
- Refuse to pay any extra charges after placing your order. The total amount during checkout is final.
- Report the seller to AliExpress support. This behavior is against their rules.
Paying more after checkout is never necessary, so always stick to the original agreement. If a seller tries this, you're likely dealing with a scam.
3. Fake Tracking Numbers Scam
A seller shares a tracking number right after you place an order, and everything seems fine at first. But as you start checking for updates, the tracking either doesn't work or shows a package that isn't moving. Sometimes, it even tracks to the wrong location entirely.
Why it's a scam:
This trick convinces you that your item has been shipped, but the seller might not have sent anything or sent one parcel and provided one tracking number to many customers. Sometimes, they reuse old or fake tracking numbers to buy time or avoid disputes.
How to protect yourself:
- Monitor the tracking history to see if the package is heading to your country or region. If it's not, that's a warning sign.
- Check package dimensions and weight (if available from the carrier). Large items should have appropriate shipping details, not something that fits in an envelope.
- Compare the shipping date with your purchase date. If the shipping information suggests that the item was sent before you placed the order - something's wrong.
By staying vigilant and cross-checking the details, you can spot issues early and take action before it's too late.
4. Cancel Order Scam
A seller might ask you to cancel the order, claiming there was a mistake or the item is out of stock. In another variation, they might request cancellation after the product has supposedly been shipped. These requests might seem harmless, but they can leave you unprotected.
Why it's a scam:
If you cancel before the seller processes the order, they avoid penalties from AliExpress. Canceling after shipping might leave you without tracking information or make it harder to file disputes.
How to protect yourself:
- Don't cancel at the seller's request. Let AliExpress handle any issues automatically.
- Verify the order status. If it's marked as shipped, wait for tracking updates before action.
AliExpress has systems to ensure buyer protection, so use them instead of canceling orders manually at the seller's request.
5. Resend With a New Low Price Order Scam
If you don't receive your item, the seller may offer to resend it but insist that you buy a new one for $0.01 (a low price). This may seem reasonable initially, especially if the original item never arrived, but it's usually a way to bypass the AliExpress dispute process.
Why it's a scam:
The seller may allow you to place a new order to avoid the original dispute and any penalties. However, a super low price order may not have proper tracking or protection, leaving you vulnerable if the item never arrives. In this case, you can only get a refund of $0.01.
How to protect yourself:
- Decline any requests to create new orders, even for small amounts. The original order and dispute process should handle everything.
- To resolve issues, use the AliExpress system. The platform can enforce a refund or reshipment under the existing purchase.
6. Order from Other Online Stores
You place an order on AliExpress, but instead of standard updates, you get a message with tracking details for a package from another well-known online store - say, Amazon, eBay, or Walmart. The package arrives in their branded packaging, leaving you wondering what happened.
Why it's a scam:
Here's the trick: The seller takes your money on AliExpress and uses a stolen credit card to place the order on another platform, shipping the item to you. While you receive the product, the real trouble begins when the credit card's owner disputes the charge. This could lead to the store investigating, and you, as the recipient, might be dragged into the mess.
How to protect yourself:
- When you realize the package is linked to your AliExpress purchase, notify the online store and provide them with all the details.
- File a report with local authorities to protect yourself against potential accusations of fraud.
Although this scam targets the payment system, it can cause stress for the buyer. Quick action and proper communication can minimize potential problems.
7. Gift Scam
You order something you've been waiting for, and a package soon appears. Excited, you open it, only to find a cheap trinket and a note saying the seller sent you a "gift" while your real order was coming. Days turn into weeks; whenever you ask, the seller assures you the rest will arrive soon. But it never does.
Why it's a scam:
As far as AliExpress is concerned, your package has been delivered. The seller counts on you waiting until the dispute window closes, leaving you no way to claim your money back.
How to protect yourself:
- If you receive a "gift" instead of your order, dispute it immediately. Don't wait for the promise that the real item will arrive later.
- Always record a video while opening packages. This provides solid proof of what was delivered.
8. Close the Dispute
After you open a dispute, the seller may try to convince you to close it, promising to resolve it once you do. Sometimes, they offer to resend the item or provide a refund directly after the dispute is closed. This may seem like a gesture of goodwill, but it's often a trick.
Why it's a scam:
Once a dispute is closed, you lose the ability to reopen it. Sellers who use this tactic may stop responding entirely, leaving you with no item and no way to get your money back.
How to protect yourself:
- Never close a dispute until the issue is fully resolved, whether that's a refund or a correctly received item.
- Insist that any reshipping or refunds happen while the dispute remains open. AliExpress monitors open cases to ensure fair resolutions.
- Document all communication with the seller and attach proof to the dispute process if needed.
Keeping the dispute open is your most vigorous defense against this scam. Stay firm and let the platform's process work in your favor.
While these scams highlight some common tricks used on platforms like AliExpress, they're far from the only ones. New schemes always pop up, so staying alert is your best defense. Always double-check seller reviews, stick to trusted merchants, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true - those massive discounts often come with hidden risks. Being cautious and informed lets you shop safely and enjoy your purchases without worry.
