Top AliExpress Scams You Should Know And How To Protect Yourself

I’ve been shopping on AliExpress for a long time, finding great deals on everything from gadgets to clothing. Even when Nigerian debit cards stopped working as a payment option on AliExpress, I didn’t let that stop me. I just switched to using virtual dollar cards from platforms like Cardtonic and kept on enjoying the great deals.

However, while AliExpress is a great place to find items at low prices, it’s not without its risks. I am sure you’ve probably heard stories of people ordering something. But what arrives is either fake or completely different. Annoying, right?

To help you avoid those headaches, I’m going to walk you through six common scams on AliExpress and how you can protect yourself. Plus, I’ll cover what to do if you ever find yourself scammed. Let’s get started!

Top 6 Scams On AliExpress And How To Avoid Them

When shopping on AliExpress, you might come across a few scams like price switching, fake products, payment fraud, non-delivery of items, fake seller profiles, and misleading product descriptions.

1. Price Switching:

Price switching is like when you see a juicy deal; say, a phone case for 3k—but then, when you’re about to pay, suddenly it’s like 10k. What happened? The seller quietly bumped up the price, hoping you won’t notice. 

It’s like being lured in by a “50% off” sign, only to find out the discount disappeared at the register. Frustrating, right?

How to Avoid It: 

Before you get too excited and hit “buy,” take a breath and double-check that final price. Seriously, just take a second to look at your order summary. 

If you see anything weird, back out and recheck the listing. Also, don’t skip those seller reviews. If others have been hit with price switches, they’ll likely mention it. Better safe than sorry!

2. Fake Products:

Imagine ordering the latest Nike sneakers for a fraction of the price, only to receive something that looks like it’s been glued together by a toddler. Yep, that’s the fake product scam. 

Sellers show off shiny pictures of authentic items, but what you get is a cheap knockoff that screams, “I’m fake!”

How to Avoid It: 

To avoid the heartbreak, take a minute to do some detective work. Start by checking the seller’s ratings. If they’ve got lots of stars, that’s a good sign. 

Then, check the reviews, especially the ones with photos, to see what other buyers actually received.

And if the seller claims the item is authentic, look for certifications or other proof. Besides, you wouldn’t buy an expensive Rolex from a guy on the street, so don’t do it online, either.

3. Payment Fraud:

Payment fraud is like when a seller tells you they can give you an extra discount if you pay them directly instead of going through AliExpress. Sounds tempting, right? 

But it’s a trap! They might redirect you to a fake payment page or ask for a direct transfer, and once your money’s gone, so are they.

How to Avoid It:

Stick to AliExpress’s official payment methods like glue. Don’t be tempted by any seller who asks for an off-platform payment, no matter how sweet the deal sounds. 

AliExpress has built-in buyer protection when you use their payment system, so keep all transactions within the platform. If a seller asks you to take things offline, run the other way!

4. Non-Delivery Of Items:

You’ve finally found that perfect item, you pay, and then…nothing. Days turn into weeks, and still no package at your door. Sometimes, the seller might even give you a fake tracking number just to keep you waiting longer. 

It’s the classic “take the money and run” move.

How to Avoid It: 

To avoid this, always keep an eye on your order status. If something seems off, don’t wait—contact the seller or AliExpress support. Use Buyer Protection to your advantage; it’s there for a reason. 

Also, check the seller’s history. If they have a habit of not delivering, you’ll likely see it in their reviews.

5. Fake Seller Profiles:

Not all that glitters is gold, and not all sellers are legit. Some scammers create fake profiles that look totally real, with tons of products and even fake reviews.

But their goal? To take your money and disappear before you realize what’s happened.

How to Avoid It: 

Before you trust a seller, do a little background check. Look at how long they’ve been on AliExpress. If they’ve been around for a while and have lots of good feedback, you’re probably safe. 

But if the account looks new or the reviews seem too good to be true, proceed with caution. Remember, if something feels off, it probably is.

6. Misleading Product Descriptions:

You know those photos that make everything look perfect? Well, sometimes what you see isn’t what you get. 

Sellers might hype up a product with fancy words and polished images or videos. But what shows up at your door is a far cry from what was promised. 

Maybe the size is wrong, the material is cheap, or it just doesn’t work like it should.

How to Avoid It:

Don’t let a slick description fool you. Always cross-check the details in the reviews—other buyers will tell you if the product doesn’t live up to the hype.

And if you’re unsure about something, shoot the seller a message with your questions. It’s better to be that person who asks too many questions than the one who ends up with buyer’s remorse.

What To Do If You Have Been Scammed

If you’ve been scammed on AliExpress, here’s what to do: contact the seller, open a dispute if needed, escalate the dispute to AliExpress if no resolution is reached, leave a review, and learn from the experience to avoid future scams.

1. Contact the Seller:

First things first, try reaching out to the seller. Maybe they shipped the wrong item, or there was a mix-up. Shoot them a message—something like, “Hey, I ordered a smartwatch, but this looks more like a toy. Can we fix this?”

Sometimes, sellers are willing to resolve things quickly because they don’t want bad reviews.

2. Open a Dispute:

If the seller is ghosting you or isn’t helpful, it’s time to take things up a notch. Head over to your order details and open a dispute. Think of it as filing a complaint. Include photos, screenshots, and anything that proves you got scammed.

The more evidence you have, the better your chances of getting a refund.

3. Escalate the Dispute:

If you’re still not getting anywhere, escalate the dispute to AliExpress. This means you’re calling in the big guns. They’ll look over everything—your evidence, the seller’s response—and make a final call.

It might take a little patience, but AliExpress usually sides with buyers when the proof is solid.

4. Leave a Review:

After everything’s sorted, don’t forget to leave a review. Be honest about your experience so others know what to watch out for.

5. Learn from the Experience:

They say experience is the best teacher, right? Next time, you’ll be that much more clever when shopping online. You’ll know the red flags, the tricks, and how to avoid them.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scams On AliExpress

1. How Does Aliexpress Buyer Protection Work?

AliExpress Buyer Protection offers you a safety net. If your order doesn’t arrive, is fake, or doesn’t match the description, you can open a dispute within the protection period (usually 60 days). Provide evidence like photos and messages, and AliExpress will review the case. If they find it in your favour, you’ll get a refund.

2. Are There Fake Items On Aliexpress?

Yes, there can be fake items on AliExpress, just like on any large online marketplace. While many sellers offer genuine products, some may sell counterfeit or low-quality goods. To avoid buying fake items, it’s important to check the seller’s ratings, read customer reviews, and look for detailed product descriptions.

3. What Red Flags Should I Watch For When Choosing A Seller On Aliexpress?

Yes, there are several red flags to watch out for. Be cautious of new seller accounts, prices that seem too good to be true, and sellers with no or mostly negative reviews. Also, avoid sellers who ask for payment outside of AliExpress. 

4. How Can I Get A Refund If I Receive A Fake Or Incorrect Item?

If you receive a fake or incorrect item, open a dispute on AliExpress right away. Include clear photos showing what you received compared to what was advertised, and explain the issue in detail. If the seller doesn’t resolve it, escalate the dispute to AliExpress. They will review the evidence and help you get a refund if your claim is valid.

5. Is It Safe To Use My Credit Card On Aliexpress?

Yes, it’s safe as long as you stick to AliExpress’s official payment methods. But if you’re in Nigeria and your debit card doesn’t work on AliExpress anymore, no worries—you can get a virtual dollar card from Cardtonic and use it for secure, hassle-free payments.

Conclusion

Shopping on AliExpress can be a great way to find deals, but it’s important to stay alert to avoid scams. By knowing what to watch out for—like fake products, price switching, and payment fraud—you can shop with confidence. 

Remember to check seller ratings, use Buyer Protection, and trust your instincts. With these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy all the good AliExpress has to offer without falling for the bad.

Happy shopping, and stay safe out there!