Shopping on the global giant AliExpress offers incredible savings, but the platform’s scale attracts not only honest sellers but also tricksters. The fear of being scammed is the main reason many shy away from great deals.
To make your shopping experience pleasant, we have compiled 5 red flags that will help you recognize AliExpress scammers and avoid fake stores.
1. The “Number Shop” Phenomenon
One of the most obvious warning signs is the store name. If you see a store named “Shop12345678 Store”, be cautious.
- Why is this a risk? Honest sellers usually invest time in building a brand. Scammers often create dozens of automated stores with numbers to quickly close them after making a quick profit and deceiving buyers.
- What to do? Prefer stores with unique names and a “Top Brand” badge.
2. Store Opening Date
Check the “Seller Summary” section. If a store has been open for a month or two but already has thousands of items sold and unbelievably low prices, it’s a huge red flag.
- Analysis: Longevity on the AliExpress platform is a guarantee of reliability. If a store has been operating for several years, it means it has successfully passed the platform’s security filters and buyer reviews.
3. Review Analysis (Look Beyond the Stars)
Don’t just trust the overall rating (e.g., 4.8 stars). Scammers tend to “inflate” ratings with fake reviews.
- How to spot fake reviews? If you see dozens of reviews in a row with no text, only 5 stars and pictures that look like they’re from a promotional brochure, be cautious.
- Tip: Look for real buyer photos and negative reviews. If buyers complain that “the item was not shipped” or “the tracking number is fake,” run away from that store.
4. A Price That’s “Too Good to Be True”
The latest iPhone for 200 euros or a professional camera for 10% of its market value? This is classic bait.
- Scammer’s scheme: They attract buyers with an unrealistic price, receive the money, and send an empty envelope or a cheap trinket to another address in your city to show a “Delivered” status in the system.
5. Offer to Pay Outside the AliExpress Platform
If a seller messages you and asks you to pay via PayPal, bank transfer, or WhatsApp, do not agree under any circumstances!
Security: As long as you pay through AliExpress, your money is held in an escrow account. The seller only receives it when you confirm receipt of the goods. By paying the seller directly, you lose any right to a refund.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed? Opening a Dispute
If the item is not received or does not match the description, your main weapon is opening a dispute.
- Do not confirm receipt until you have inspected the item.
- Open a dispute in the system, attaching photo and video evidence (e.g., a video showing the package being opened).
- Safe shopping depends on your vigilance – AliExpress administration usually sides with the buyer if clear evidence is provided.
AliExpress is a safe platform as long as you exercise caution. Pay attention to the store’s reputation, read real reviews, and never pay outside the official system!