the common scams on Alibaba, Aliexpress and Taobao！

Shopping on Alibaba, AliExpress and Taobao is indeed convenient, but there are also some common scams that need to be watched out for. I will tell you in the most straightforward way:

1. Low-price scams, where the price of goods is ridiculously low (for example, an iPhone is only sold for $100) to attract you to place an order. In the end, you either receive a fake product, or the seller disappears after paying and does not ship the goods at all. Don't be greedy for cheapness, 99% of those whose prices are obviously lower than the market price are scammers.

2. Fake/copycat goods, the seller claims that they are "authentic" and "original", but they are actually high-quality imitations or inferior products (such as fake brand-name bags and fake cosmetics). The things can be used, but the quality is poor, or even harmful (such as fake skin care products that rot your face). Be sure to ask the seller to provide proof of authorization when placing an order.

3. Inducing private transactions, the seller says "add WeChat/WhatsApp to talk, the price is cheaper", so that you can pay without the platform. The money is transferred directly to the seller, the platform does not protect you, and both the money and the goods are lost.

4. Fake delivery/fake logistics, the seller fills in a fake order number to show "shipped", but in fact it has not been sent at all, or sends an empty package. After the automatic confirmation of receipt, the seller takes the money and runs away.

5. The sample and the actual product are not the same. The sample is of good quality, but the bulk product is shoddy (common in clothing and electronic products). You will receive a lot of garbage, and it is troublesome to return and exchange. Ask to see the real video of the bulk product before placing an order, and the quality requirements are stated in the contract.

6. Fake reviews, brush good reviews (such as "5-star cash back"), so that you think the product is good. When you buy it back and find that the quality is poor, the real review is brushed down.

7. Shipping scam, the product is low-priced, but the shipping fee is sky-high (for example, the product is $1 and the shipping fee is $50). The total price you actually pay is higher, and you may be charged more customs duties.

8. Phishing link/fraud customer service, receive a fake text message/email saying "Order abnormality, click the link to refund". Click in and enter the account password, and the money will be stolen. Don't click on any strange link.

How to avoid being cheated?

1. Don't be greedy for cheapness - too good a price is basically a scam.

2. Only trade on the platform - never transfer money privately!

3. Read real reviews - focus on negative reviews and reviews with pictures.

4. Confirm payment after receiving the goods - don't rush to click "Confirm receipt".

5. Try small orders first for large orders - buy samples first, then place large orders.