You want to use AliExpress without getting scammed. Smart. Because while most sellers are legitimate, scams exist, and they’re sophisticated enough to catch even experienced buyers off guard.
The good news: scams on AliExpress follow predictable patterns. They exploit the same vulnerabilities repeatedly. Sellers who scam use similar tactics. And once you understand how scams work, prevention becomes straightforward.
This isn’t about memorizing a checklist. It’s about building a system that protects you automatically. A way of evaluating sellers, managing orders, and using buyer protection that makes you nearly scam-proof.
Let’s break down exactly how to avoid scams at every stage of the buying process, from finding products to receiving packages to handling problems when they arise.
TL;DR
Avoid AliExpress scams by: (1) vetting sellers thoroughly before buying (95%+ ratings, thousands of orders, good recent reviews), (2) reading customer reviews and photos to verify products match listings, (3) never confirming receipt until you’ve inspected items, (4) tracking orders actively and noting buyer protection deadlines, (5) opening disputes early if problems arise, (6) providing strong evidence in disputes, (7) never closing disputes based on seller promises, (8) starting with small test purchases from new sellers. Prevention beats recovery every time.
The Core Principle: Prevention at Every Stage
Scam avoidance isn’t a single action. It’s a behavioral system you apply consistently:
Before you buy: Vet sellers and products to filter out high-risk situations.
During the transaction: Track actively and stay aware of protection deadlines.
After delivery: Inspect before confirming, dispute when necessary.
When problems arise: Use buyer protection correctly and don’t get manipulated.
Each stage has specific actions that, together, create a protective barrier scammers can’t easily penetrate.
Stage 1: Before You Buy (Seller Vetting System)
Most scams are avoidable by simply not buying from scammers in the first place. Here’s how to vet sellers systematically:
The Five-Checkpoint Seller Evaluation
Checkpoint 1: Feedback Percentage
Look at the seller’s positive feedback rate. You want 95% or higher. Below 90% is risky. Below 85% is a red flag.
Where to find it: On the seller’s storefront, usually displayed prominently near their name.
Why it matters: Sellers with low ratings have consistent problems. Either they’re scammers or they’re incompetent. Either way, avoid them.
Checkpoint 2: Total Orders Completed
Check how many transactions the seller has completed. You want thousands, preferably 10,000+. Sellers with under 1,000 orders are higher risk.
Where to find it: Seller’s profile page, often shown as “sold” count on product listings.
Why it matters: Established sellers have more to lose by scamming. New sellers or those with few sales haven’t built reputation yet and might disappear after scamming a few buyers.
Checkpoint 3: Recent Review Pattern
Read reviews from the past 30 days. Look for patterns:
Good signs:
- Mix of ratings (mostly positive with occasional 4-star reviews)
- Detailed feedback with specifics
- Customer photos showing received products
- Minor complaints about shipping time or small issues, not scams
Bad signs:
- Multiple recent reviews mentioning scams, fake products, or non-delivery
- Sudden drop in recent ratings compared to older reviews
- Generic positive reviews that all sound the same
- No customer photos despite many reviews
Where to find it: Product listing reviews, filter by “Recent” or sort by date.
Why it matters: A seller’s current behavior is more relevant than their historical rating. Recent scam complaints indicate active problems.
Checkpoint 4: Customer Photos vs. Listing Photos
Compare the product photos in the listing to photos uploaded by customers in reviews.
Good signs:
- Customer photos match listing photos reasonably well
- Products look similar in quality and appearance
- Multiple customer photos available
Bad signs:
- Customer photos look nothing like listing photos
- Listing uses professional/stock photos but customer photos show cheap items
- Very few or no customer photos despite hundreds of reviews
Where to find it: In the reviews section, look for reviews with photo attachments.
Why it matters: Listing photos can be fake or misleading. Customer photos show reality. Major mismatches indicate bait-and-switch tactics.
Checkpoint 5: Store History and Verification
Check when the store opened and if they have any badges.
Good signs:
- Store has been active for 1+ years
- “Top Brand” or “AliExpress Choice” badges (not guarantees, but positive signals)
- Consistent product category (they specialize in something specific)
Bad signs:
- Store opened recently (within a few months)
- Constantly changing product categories (electronics to clothing to home goods)
- No verification badges on a store claiming to sell branded products
Where to find it: Seller’s profile page, store information section.
Why it matters: Scammers often create new stores, scam for a while, then abandon them when ratings tank. Established stores have more invested in reputation.
The Quick Decision Rule
After checking all five checkpoints, apply this simple rule:
All five checkpoints pass? Safe to buy.
One checkpoint fails? Proceed with caution. Maybe start with a small test order.
Two or more checkpoints fail? Walk away. Too risky.
This framework takes 3 to 5 minutes per seller but prevents most scam scenarios before you even place an order.
Stage 2: Product Selection (Risk Assessment)
Not all products carry equal scam risk. Adjust your caution level based on what you’re buying:
Low-Risk Categories (Easier to Buy Safely)
- Unbranded phone accessories (cases, cables, screen protectors)
- Basic home items (organizers, LED lights, small tools)
- Craft supplies (stickers, tape, basic materials)
- Generic jewelry and accessories
- Simple clothing without brand claims
Why low-risk: These items are cheap to produce, easy to ship, and hard to counterfeit meaningfully. Quality varies, but outright scams are less common.
Medium-Risk Categories (Require More Vetting)
- Electronics under $30 (earbuds, chargers, small gadgets)
- Clothing with specific sizing needs
- Beauty and skincare products
- Toys and hobby items
- Tools and hardware
Why medium-risk: Quality can vary dramatically. Sizing is unpredictable. Safety concerns exist (electronics, skincare). Requires careful seller vetting and review reading.
High-Risk Categories (Maximum Caution Required)
- Branded products (Nike, Apple, Samsung, designer goods)
- Electronics over $50
- Safety-critical items (car parts, baby products, protective gear)
- Watches claiming to be luxury brands
- Products with health claims
Why high-risk: Counterfeits are extremely common. Quality failures can be dangerous. Pricing that seems too good is almost always a scam. Unless you’re okay with fakes or risks, avoid these categories entirely on AliExpress.
Risk-Based Strategy:
For low-risk items: Standard vetting is sufficient.
For medium-risk items: Extra careful seller vetting, extensive review reading, possibly start with a test purchase.
For high-risk items: Either avoid entirely or accept that you’re likely getting a fake/risky product and proceed with eyes open.
Stage 3: During Transaction (Active Management)
Once you’ve placed an order, scam prevention shifts to active monitoring:
Track Every Order Systematically
Create a tracking system:
Option 1: Use the AliExpress app notifications (turn on order updates).
Option 2: Keep a simple spreadsheet with: order number, item, seller name, order date, expected delivery, buyer protection end date.
Option 3: Set phone calendar reminders for each order’s protection expiration date (set the reminder for 7 days before expiration).
Check tracking weekly (not daily):
Daily checking creates anxiety without adding value. Weekly checks are sufficient to catch problems early without obsessing.
What to look for:
- Is tracking updating at all?
- Does the package appear to be moving toward your country?
- Are there any unusual statuses (delivered to wrong location, returned to sender)?
Know when to worry vs. when to be patient:
Normal: Tracking shows “airline departure” for 1 to 2 weeks. International shipping is slow.
Concerning: Tracking hasn’t updated in 3+ weeks and buyer protection is close to expiring.
Normal: Package is in customs for several days. Customs processing takes time.
Concerning: Tracking shows delivery to a city/address that’s not yours.
Understand Buyer Protection Timelines
For every order, you need to know two dates:
Protection start date: When the seller marked the item as shipped.
Protection end date: The deadline by which you must dispute if there’s a problem (usually 60 to 90 days from shipment).
Where to find it: In your order details, look for “Buyer Protection” with a countdown or specific date.
Critical rule: If an order hasn’t arrived and protection is within 7 days of expiring, open a dispute. Don’t wait for the last day.
Why it matters: Once protection expires, you lose all leverage. Sellers know this and sometimes stall specifically to run out the clock.
Extend Protection When Needed
If your package is legitimately in transit but protection is about to expire, you can extend it:
How to extend:
- Go to order details
- Click “Extend Buyer Protection Time”
- AliExpress usually grants automatic 30-day extensions
- You can request multiple extensions if needed
When to extend:
- Tracking shows the package is actually moving but slowly
- Package is stuck in customs (verifiable through tracking)
- Delivery delays are clearly due to shipping issues, not seller fraud
When NOT to extend:
- Tracking hasn’t updated in weeks with no explanation
- Seller is asking you to extend but providing no real updates
- You suspect the seller never actually shipped
Stage 4: After Delivery (Inspection Protocol)
When your package arrives, this is a critical scam-prevention moment:
Never Confirm Receipt Immediately
AliExpress will prompt you to “Confirm Receipt” once tracking shows delivery. Don’t do it reflexively.
What happens when you confirm:
- Buyer protection ends immediately
- Payment is released to the seller
- You can no longer dispute
What to do instead:
Step 1: Open the package carefully (consider filming expensive orders).
Step 2: Inspect the item thoroughly:
- Does it match the listing photos?
- Is it the right color, size, quantity?
- Is it broken or damaged?
- Does it work (if electronic)?
- Is the quality acceptable?
Step 3: Compare to the listing:
- Pull up the original listing
- Check photos, description, specifications
- Verify what you received matches what was promised
Step 4: Only after inspection, do one of two things:
- If everything is correct: Confirm receipt
- If anything is wrong: Open a dispute (do NOT confirm)
This simple protocol prevents the “confirm receipt for refund” scam and protects you from discovering problems after losing buyer protection.
Take Photos Immediately if There’s a Problem
If something’s wrong, documentation matters:
Photo checklist:
- Item from multiple angles
- Damage or defects close-up
- Item next to something showing scale (if size is wrong)
- Packaging (especially if damaged in shipping)
- Screenshots of the listing for comparison
Why it matters: You’ll need these photos for disputes. Taking them immediately ensures fresh evidence before you’ve handled or altered the item.
Stage 5: Problem Resolution (Dispute Management)
When something goes wrong, how you handle it determines whether you get scammed or protected:
Open Disputes Early, Not Late
The golden rule: If there’s a problem and you’re within 14 days of protection expiring, open a dispute immediately. Don’t wait.
Why early is better:
- You have time to negotiate or escalate
- Seller has time to respond
- You’re not panicking at the deadline
- AliExpress has time to investigate if needed
When to dispute:
- Item hasn’t arrived and protection expires in less than 2 weeks
- Item arrived but is wrong, broken, or significantly different from listing
- Tracking shows suspicious activity (delivered elsewhere, fake tracking)
- Seller is stalling and protection is running out
Never Close Disputes Based on Promises
Scammers use this tactic constantly:
“Close the dispute and we’ll refund you directly.” “Confirm receipt and we’ll send money through PayPal.” “Cancel the dispute and we’ll ship a replacement.”
Universal rule: Never close a dispute until the problem is actually resolved within the AliExpress system.
Why:
- Once you close, buyer protection ends
- You have no recourse if the seller doesn’t follow through
- Sellers who ask this are almost always scamming
- Legitimate resolutions happen through AliExpress, not outside it
Correct approach: If a seller offers a solution, have them process it through the dispute system. Refunds go through AliExpress. Replacements get new tracking. Promises mean nothing without action.
Provide Strong Evidence in Disputes
Disputes are won with evidence, not arguments:
Evidence that works:
- Clear photos showing the problem
- Screenshots of tracking issues
- Screenshots of the listing vs. what you received
- Factual, brief explanations
Evidence that doesn’t work:
- Emotional appeals
- Long complaint paragraphs
- Vague descriptions without photos
- Threats or insults
How to write a good dispute explanation:
Bad: “This seller is a scammer and I’m very disappointed. The item is terrible quality and nothing like the photos. I want a full refund immediately or I’ll report you.”
Good: “Received wrong color. Listing showed black, received white. See photos. Requesting full refund.”
Keep it factual, brief, and clear. Upload photos. Let the evidence speak.
Know When to Escalate
If you and the seller can’t agree within 5 to 7 days, escalate the dispute to AliExpress:
How to escalate: Look for an “Escalate” button in the dispute details. Click it. AliExpress takes over and makes a decision based on evidence.
When to escalate:
- Seller isn’t responding
- Seller is stalling or making unreasonable offers
- You’ve negotiated but can’t reach a fair agreement
- Protection is about to expire and nothing is resolved
What happens: AliExpress reviews all evidence from both sides and decides within a few days. Their decision is usually final.
Universal Scam Prevention Rules
These rules apply to every purchase, every time:
Rule 1: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Brand-name products at 70% off retail? Fake. High-end electronics for $20? Scam or knockoff.
Rule 2: Never trust sellers more than the system. Seller promises are worthless. Only trust actions taken through official AliExpress channels.
Rule 3: Cheap test purchases before expensive ones. Testing a new seller with a $5 order reveals their reliability before you risk $50.
Rule 4: Time is your ally, not your enemy. Don’t rush. Don’t let sellers pressure you. Use all the time buyer protection gives you.
Rule 5: Evidence beats arguments. Photos, screenshots, and facts win disputes. Emotional complaints don’t.
Rule 6: When in doubt, walk away. If a seller seems sketchy, a listing looks suspicious, or something feels off, don’t buy. There are millions of other options.
Rule 7: Confirm nothing until you’re satisfied. Never confirm receipt, close disputes, or end protection until you’re genuinely satisfied with the resolution.
Building Scam-Detection Instincts Over Time
The more you use AliExpress, the better you’ll get at spotting scams before they happen. Here’s how to build those instincts:
Pattern recognition: After 5 to 10 orders, you’ll start recognizing patterns. What good sellers look like. What red flags mean. What normal shipping delays look like vs. actual problems.
Calibrating expectations: You’ll learn what quality to expect at different price points. A $3 item will feel predictably like a $3 item. You’ll stop being surprised by quality variation.
Seller behavior patterns: You’ll recognize stalling tactics, pressure tactics, and genuine helpfulness. Scammers use the same scripts repeatedly. You’ll spot them.
Risk assessment automation: Eventually, seller vetting becomes automatic. You’ll glance at ratings and reviews and immediately know if a seller is trustworthy or questionable.
Start building these instincts:
- Pay attention to what works and what doesn’t on each order
- Note which sellers were reliable vs. problematic
- Track patterns in what products matched expectations vs. didn’t
- Learn from mistakes instead of just moving on
Category-Specific Prevention Tips
Different product types need different caution:
For electronics:
- Stick to sellers with 98%+ ratings in electronics
- Read reviews mentioning safety (fires, overheating, failures)
- Avoid anything claiming features that seem impossible at the price
- Check for certifications (CE, FCC) but know they can be faked
For clothing:
- Always check the size chart and customer reviews about sizing
- Look at customer photos to see how items actually fit
- Expect quality to match price (a $10 dress won’t look like a $100 dress)
- Understand material descriptions are often exaggerated
For branded items:
- Assume everything is fake unless proven otherwise
- Only buy if you’re okay with getting a knockoff
- Don’t expect authentic products at deep discounts
- Safety risks exist with fake electronics, cosmetics, protective gear
For beauty/skincare:
- Be extremely cautious (ingredient safety concerns)
- Stick to well-reviewed sellers with specific product expertise
- Avoid anything claiming dramatic results
- Research ingredients before applying to skin
The Minimum Viable Scam Prevention System
If you do nothing else, do these five things:
1. Check seller ratings before buying. 95%+ only.
2. Read recent negative reviews. They tell you what can go wrong.
3. Never confirm receipt before inspecting items. Wait every single time.
4. Track orders and note protection deadlines. Set reminders.
5. Dispute early if there’s a problem. Don’t wait until the last day.
These five behaviors prevent 90% of scams. Everything else is optimization.
When Prevention Fails: Backup Protection
Even with perfect prevention, sometimes things go wrong. Your backup layers:
Layer 1: Buyer Protection Disputes Your first line of defense. Use it aggressively.
Layer 2: AliExpress Customer Service If disputes fail, contact AliExpress support directly. They sometimes make exceptions.
Layer 3: Credit Card Chargebacks If AliExpress won’t help, dispute the charge with your credit card company. Separate process, sometimes works when other methods fail.
Layer 4: Lessons Learned Even if you lose money on a scam, analyze what went wrong. Adjust your prevention system. Don’t repeat the same mistake.
Takeaway
Avoiding scams on AliExpress isn’t about luck or paranoia. It’s about having a system and following it consistently.
Vet sellers before buying. Track orders actively. Never confirm receipt early. Dispute problems before deadlines expire. Provide evidence. Don’t trust seller promises outside the system.
Do these things, and scammers lose their leverage. They can’t run out your protection clock if you’re tracking deadlines. They can’t pressure you into bad deals if you know the rules. They can’t trick you into confirming receipt if you inspect first.
Most AliExpress orders complete successfully without issues. But the ones that don’t go wrong in predictable ways. Now you know how to spot the patterns, avoid the traps, and protect yourself at every stage.
Stay systematic, stay alert, and scammers won’t find you an easy target.