You’re worried about getting scammed on AliExpress. Maybe you’ve heard stories. Maybe a deal seems too good to be true. Maybe you’re already in the middle of an order that feels wrong and you’re trying to figure out if you’re being played.
The good news: most AliExpress sellers are legitimate. The platform itself isn’t a scam. Millions of orders complete successfully every day.
The bad news: scams exist, and they’re sophisticated enough that even experienced buyers sometimes fall for them. Sellers know how buyer protection works, and some have figured out how to game the system or exploit buyers who don’t understand the rules.
Let’s break down the actual scams that happen on AliExpress, how they work, how to spot them before you lose money, and what to do if you’re already caught in one.
TL;DR
Common AliExpress scams include: fake tracking numbers, bait-and-switch (wrong item shipped), buyer protection deadline manipulation, empty package scams, refund stalling tactics, fake brand products, and review manipulation. Most scams exploit buyer protection time windows or rely on buyers not disputing in time. Avoid them by: vetting sellers carefully, tracking orders actively, never confirming receipt early, opening disputes before deadlines, and providing strong evidence. If scammed, dispute immediately with proof and escalate to AliExpress if the seller won’t cooperate.
The Fake Tracking Scam
How it works:
You place an order on AliExpress. The seller marks it as shipped and uploads a tracking number. You check the tracking and it shows movement (departed origin country, in transit, etc.). You wait. And wait. The tracking stops updating. Weeks pass. Buyer protection is about to expire.
Then you realize: the tracking number was real, but it wasn’t for your package. The seller either:
- Used a tracking number from a completely different shipment (maybe to a different country)
- Shipped an empty envelope or a cheap worthless item just to generate valid tracking
- Used tracking from a package going to your country but not to your address
The goal is to run out the buyer protection clock. By the time you realize the package isn’t coming, protection has expired and the seller gets paid.
Warning signs:
Tracking shows departure from origin country but never shows arrival or customs processing in your country.
Tracking suddenly shows “delivered” to a location that’s not your address (different city or country entirely).
Item is marked as delivered but you received nothing, and tracking details are vague or incomplete.
Seller uploaded tracking immediately but item was supposedly shipped with a very slow method (shouldn’t have tracking that fast).
How to avoid it:
Check tracking details carefully, not just the status. Verify it’s going to your city/region.
Use the AliExpress app to track (it sometimes catches mismatched tracking better than external sites).
Don’t wait until the last day of protection. If tracking looks suspicious and delivery hasn’t happened, open a dispute early.
Request tracking updates from the seller if things seem off.
If it happens to you:
Open a dispute before protection expires. Upload screenshots showing tracking doesn’t match your location or shows delivery elsewhere. Request a full refund. AliExpress usually sides with buyers when tracking is clearly fraudulent.
The Bait-and-Switch Scam
How it works:
The listing shows a high-quality product with professional photos. You order. What arrives is something completely different: cheaper quality, wrong item entirely, or a knockoff that barely resembles the listing.
The seller used attractive photos (often stolen from legitimate brands or other sellers) to lure you in, then shipped whatever cheap inventory they had lying around. They’re betting you either won’t notice, won’t bother disputing, or will accept a low partial refund just to avoid the hassle.
Warning signs before buying:
Product photos look too professional or are clearly stock images.
Same photos appear on multiple listings from different sellers.
Price is significantly lower than similar items from other sellers.
Reviews mention receiving wrong items or products not matching photos.
Customer photos in reviews look nothing like the listing photos.
Warning signs after receiving:
Item quality is drastically lower than photos suggested.
Item is a different color, size, material, or design than listed.
Item is a generic version when you ordered what appeared to be a branded product.
How to avoid it:
Look at customer photos in reviews before buying. These show reality.
Be suspicious of prices that are much lower than competitors for the same apparent product.
Check if the seller has a pattern of bait-and-switch complaints in negative reviews.
If it happens to you:
Do not confirm receipt. Take clear photos of what you received next to screenshots of the listing. Open a dispute showing the mismatch. Request a full refund. Most buyers win these disputes if evidence is clear.
The Buyer Protection Deadline Manipulation Scam
How it works:
Something goes wrong with your order (non-delivery, wrong item, etc.). You contact the seller. They respond with delaying tactics:
“Please wait a few more days, the package is almost there.” “We’re checking with the shipping company, give us more time.” “We’ll send a replacement, just be patient.” “Close the dispute and we’ll refund you directly (we won’t).”
Meanwhile, days pass. Buyer protection gets closer to expiring. By the time you realize the seller isn’t actually helping, protection has ended and you can’t dispute anymore. The seller gets paid.
Warning signs:
Seller keeps asking for “a few more days” without providing concrete updates.
They ask you to close a dispute with promises of resolution outside the system.
They offer to send a replacement but never provide new tracking.
Responses are vague and avoid committing to specific timelines or actions.
You’re getting close to the protection deadline and nothing has been resolved.
How to avoid it:
Never close a dispute based on promises. Only close after receiving a refund or satisfactory resolution.
Set calendar reminders for when buyer protection expires on each order.
If a seller stalls for more than 2 to 3 days without tangible progress, stop negotiating and escalate the dispute.
Don’t extend buyer protection multiple times at the seller’s request unless tracking clearly shows the package is legitimately in transit.
If it happens to you:
Stop engaging with the seller’s delaying tactics. Escalate your dispute to AliExpress immediately. Explain that the seller is stalling and you need a decision before protection expires. AliExpress usually intervenes quickly in these cases.
The Empty or Lightweight Package Scam
How it works:
The seller ships something, but it’s either completely empty or contains a cheap, worthless item (a single screw, a piece of paper, a random small object). This generates legitimate tracking showing delivery, making it harder to dispute.
When you open a dispute claiming non-delivery or wrong item, the seller points to tracking showing “delivered” and argues that you received the package. Some sellers even ship to your correct address but with something useless inside.
Warning signs:
Package arrives but feels suspiciously light or small for what you ordered.
Tracking shows delivery of a package weighing much less than the product should weigh.
You received a package but it’s empty or contains random junk unrelated to your order.
How to avoid it:
Check package weight in tracking details (if available). Compare to expected product weight.
Video yourself opening packages from suspicious sellers (extreme, but useful for expensive orders).
Vet sellers carefully before buying. This scam is usually done by low-rated or newer sellers.
If it happens to you:
Open the package carefully and take photos/video of the contents immediately. Open a dispute with clear evidence showing what you received vs. what was ordered. Explain the package was delivered but contained wrong/worthless items. Tracking shows delivery of a package, not delivery of your actual product. You’ll need strong photo evidence, but many buyers win these disputes.
The Counterfeit Product Scam
How it works:
This isn’t really a “scam” in the traditional sense since many buyers know they might be getting fakes, but it’s deceptive when sellers don’t disclose it. You order what appears to be a branded product (Nike, Apple, Samsung, etc.). What arrives is a counterfeit.
Sometimes the fake is decent quality. Often it’s terrible and potentially unsafe (fake electronics with poor wiring, fake cosmetics with harmful ingredients, fake safety gear that doesn’t protect).
Warning signs:
Branded products sold at 50% to 80% below retail price.
Listing doesn’t explicitly say “authentic” or show proof of authorization.
Reviews mention receiving fakes or knockoffs.
Product ships from China or other manufacturing hubs when the brand typically ships from elsewhere.
Packaging looks off or is missing brand markings.
How to avoid it:
Don’t buy branded products on AliExpress unless you’re okay with the risk of fakes.
If you must buy branded items, look for authorized sellers or official brand stores (rare on AliExpress).
Expect that any deal that’s too good to be true on branded goods is a counterfeit.
If it happens to you:
Disputing counterfeits is tricky. If the listing clearly showed brand logos and promised authentic products, you can dispute for receiving a fake. But if the listing was vague or didn’t explicitly claim authenticity, AliExpress might not side with you. Your best bet is to avoid buying branded products in the first place.
The Partial Refund Pressure Scam
How it works:
You receive a wrong or broken item. You open a dispute requesting a full refund. The seller immediately offers a very low partial refund (like 10% to 20%) for what’s clearly a major problem.
They pressure you to accept: “This is the best we can do.” “Accept this or we can’t help you.” “Close the dispute now and we’ll send more money later (they won’t).”
The goal is to get you to accept an unfair resolution and close the dispute quickly, before you realize you should get more or before AliExpress steps in to decide.
Warning signs:
Seller offers an insultingly low partial refund for a serious issue.
They rush you to accept and close the dispute.
They make threats about not helping if you don’t accept their offer.
They promise additional compensation outside the dispute system.
How to avoid it:
Know what fair partial refunds look like (minor issues = 10% to 30%, major issues = 50%+, total failures = full refund).
Don’t let sellers pressure you. You have time. AliExpress will step in if you can’t agree.
Never close a dispute based on promises of future compensation.
Counter-offer with a reasonable amount based on the problem’s severity.
If it happens to you:
Reject lowball offers. Respond with what you think is fair. If the seller won’t agree, let the dispute escalate to AliExpress. They’ll review evidence and decide. Don’t be intimidated into accepting unfair deals.
The “Confirm Receipt for Refund” Scam
How it works:
Something’s wrong with your order. The seller messages you: “Please confirm receipt and we’ll send you a full refund through PayPal/bank transfer.” Or: “Close the dispute and confirm receipt, then we’ll refund you.”
You confirm receipt or close the dispute. Buyer protection ends. Then the seller ghosts you. No refund ever comes. You have no recourse because you voluntarily ended your protection.
Warning signs:
Seller asks you to confirm receipt before resolving the problem.
They promise refunds outside the AliExpress system.
They give reasons why you should close the dispute (“it’s faster this way,” “AliExpress takes too long,” “we can give you more money if you close it”).
How to avoid it:
Never confirm receipt until you’re satisfied with the order.
Never close a dispute based on promises. Only close after actually receiving a refund or satisfactory resolution within the AliExpress system.
All refunds should go through AliExpress, not external payment methods.
If it happens to you:
If you already confirmed receipt or closed the dispute, you’re in trouble. Contact AliExpress customer service and explain what happened. They sometimes make exceptions for clear fraud, but it’s not guaranteed. Try a credit card chargeback if AliExpress won’t help. This is why prevention is critical.
The Review Manipulation Scam
How it works:
This scam affects other buyers more than you directly, but it’s worth knowing about. Sellers offer incentives for positive reviews: “Leave 5 stars and we’ll refund you,” “Give us positive feedback and get a free gift,” “Contact us after reviewing and we’ll send money.”
This creates fake positive ratings that make bad sellers look trustworthy, trapping future buyers.
Warning signs:
Reviews are overwhelmingly positive but very generic (“great product,” “fast shipping,” no details).
Huge volume of 5-star reviews posted in a short time window.
Reviews don’t match customer photos (photos show problems but text is positive).
Recent negative reviews contradict the overall high rating.
How to avoid it:
Don’t trust overall ratings alone. Read actual review content.
Focus on recent reviews and negative reviews.
Look for detailed reviews with photos.
Check if reviews seem authentic (specific details, varied language, realistic complaints).
If it happens to you:
You can’t directly fight review manipulation, but you can leave honest reviews to help future buyers, and report sellers who offer incentives for positive reviews (though enforcement is weak).
The “Wrong Address Delivery” Scam
How it works:
The seller ships your package, but deliberately sends it to the wrong address (sometimes in your city, sometimes not). Tracking shows “delivered.” The seller points to tracking as proof they fulfilled the order. You didn’t get anything, but the seller argues it’s not their fault.
Warning signs:
Tracking shows delivery but you never received anything.
Delivery address in tracking details doesn’t match your address.
Package was marked delivered at a time when you were home and watching for it.
Neighbors didn’t receive a package for you.
How to avoid it:
Double-check your shipping address when placing orders.
If an expensive order shows delivered but you have nothing, immediately check tracking details for the exact delivery location.
Use delivery services that require signatures for valuable items (when available).
If it happens to you:
Check tracking details to see if the delivery address matches yours. Screenshot this. Contact your local delivery service to confirm where the package was actually delivered. Open a dispute with evidence showing delivery was to the wrong address. Include communication with the delivery service if possible. AliExpress usually sides with buyers when tracking clearly shows wrong address delivery.
How to Tell If You’re Being Scammed Right Now
You might already be in the middle of a scam. Here’s how to tell:
You’re probably being scammed if:
The seller is avoiding direct answers to your questions.
They keep stalling without providing concrete updates or solutions.
They ask you to do things outside the AliExpress system (close disputes, confirm receipt, pay extra fees).
Tracking looks suspicious or shows delivery somewhere that’s not your address.
The seller’s responses are copy-pasted generic messages.
They promise action but never follow through.
You’re approaching the buyer protection deadline and nothing is resolved.
You’re probably not being scammed, just experiencing problems if:
The seller responds clearly and provides specific information.
Shipping is slow but tracking shows legitimate progress.
There’s a quality issue but the seller offers reasonable solutions.
Communication is delayed but not evasive.
Problems are consistent with normal AliExpress issues (shipping delays, minor quality variance) rather than deliberate fraud.
What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed
If you realize you’re caught in a scam:
Act immediately. Don’t wait. Every day counts toward your buyer protection deadline.
Stop communicating with the seller. They’re wasting your time. Focus on the dispute process.
Open or escalate a dispute. If you haven’t opened one, do it now. If you have one open, escalate it to AliExpress immediately.
Gather all evidence:
- Screenshots of tracking showing problems
- Photos of what you received (or didn’t receive)
- Screenshots of the original listing
- Screenshots of seller communication (especially promises or lies)
- Any other proof that supports your case
Write a clear, factual dispute explanation. Don’t be emotional. State facts: “Tracking shows delivery to wrong address. See evidence.” “Received empty package. See photos.” “Seller promised refund if I closed dispute. I closed it. No refund received.”
Let AliExpress decide. If the seller won’t cooperate, AliExpress will step in after a few days. Provide all evidence and let them make a judgment.
If AliExpress doesn’t help:
Try a credit card chargeback. This is separate from AliExpress disputes. Explain to your bank that you were scammed, provide evidence, and they may reverse the charge.
Leave a detailed negative review warning other buyers.
Report the seller to AliExpress (though enforcement is inconsistent).
Move on. Small losses aren’t worth endless fighting. Learn what went wrong and be more careful next time.
The Best Defense Against Scams
Prevention is easier than recovery:
Vet sellers aggressively. High ratings (95%+), thousands of orders, established history, positive recent reviews.
Read reviews critically. Look for red flags in negative reviews. Check customer photos.
Never confirm receipt early. Wait until you’ve inspected the item and verified it’s correct.
Track orders actively. Don’t just place orders and forget. Check tracking weekly and note protection deadlines.
Open disputes early. If something seems wrong, don’t wait. Dispute with plenty of time left on protection.
Provide strong evidence. Photos, screenshots, clear explanations. Evidence wins disputes.
Don’t trust seller promises outside the system. Everything should happen through AliExpress disputes and refunds.
Start with small orders. Test sellers before placing large orders.
Use credit cards. They offer chargeback protection if AliExpress fails.
Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.
Scams vs. Normal Problems
Not every issue is a scam. Sometimes things just go wrong:
Normal problems (not scams):
- Slow shipping due to customs delays
- Minor quality differences from photos (lighting, minor color variation)
- Seller being slow to respond but eventually helping
- Packages lost in transit (happens in international shipping)
- Items that are low quality but match the description
Actual scams:
- Deliberate fake tracking
- Intentionally shipping wrong items
- Stalling to run out buyer protection
- Asking you to close disputes with false promises
- Shipping empty packages
- Refusing to resolve clear problems
Know the difference so you don’t panic over normal issues or ignore actual scams.
Takeaway
AliExpress scams exist, but they’re avoidable if you know what to look for and how to protect yourself. Most scams exploit buyer protection time windows or rely on buyers not understanding the dispute system.
The platform gives you tools to fight back: buyer protection, dispute processes, evidence submission, AliExpress mediation. Use them. Don’t let sellers pressure you into giving up your protections.
Scammers are sophisticated, but they’re also predictable. They use the same tactics repeatedly because those tactics work on uninformed buyers. Now you’re informed.
Stay alert, vet sellers carefully, track actively, dispute early, and don’t trust promises outside the system. Do that, and you’ll avoid the vast majority of scams on AliExpress.