Everything that glitters is not gold is a proverb that suits all online ecommerce stores including Alibaba. I got scammed on Alibaba is a common query many people ask online.
Therefore it is important to stay alert to these scams to avoid loss of time and money. Moreover, there is a difference between scam and receiving low quality products. Moreover, the platform has also developed numerous checkpoints to safeguard buyers’ interest and help them get the right product.
Despite platforms’ best efforts to protect buyers’ rights, it is imperative for brands and customers to stay informed and cautious.
Oz Prep Services can help you avoid scams by checking, reviewing and returning goods that do not meet the outlined criteria.
Types of Scams on Alibaba
Before you proceed to lodge a complaint with Alibaba for a scam, it is important to understand the type of scam you have been hit with, here are some common Alibaba scams.
Counterfeit Products
Counterfeit branded products that are fake or imitation claiming to be from a well-known brand. These sellers try to sell fake products in the name of the original brand at prices lower than the actual product.
Therefore, it is vital to stay alert to these types of products, as these are replicas of low quality. Thus, it advised us to check the authenticity of the seller before placing an order.
Post Order Price Increase
In many cases, sellers attract buyers by offering low prices. However, once the order is placed, they would suddenly increase the price citing uncontrollable factors such as currency fluctuations or unexpected additional charges.
Therefore, it is important to keep proper track of prices of products and order size, and ensure only paying as per initial price contract.
Missing Order
It is a common scam where sellers use fake websites to appear as authentic sellers. They would generally request you to send payment to a different account, claiming problems with their payment method.
Their target is to deceive buyers, get the payment and vanish without delivering ordered products.
Fraudulent Profiles
There are numerous fake profiles on Alibaba that trick people into believing they are real people and sell real products. However, their aim is to loot buyers’ money, manipulate transactions and carry out scams like selling fake items or not delivering products.
Trademark Infringement
Many sellers would use trademark logos to place them on fake products and trick buyers into believing them to be genuine. However, you must stay alert, ask for copies of trademarks, and examine them thoroughly before placing an order.
Payment Methods
A scammer may ask you to use payment methods that are not approved by Alibaba such as a gift card or wire transfer. You should stop making any payment to such a supplier who asks for payment through these sources.
Changed Products
Another common yet neglected scam is when seller’s dispatch products with minor defects or change in quality. For instance, you order 100% cotton shirts, but receive a mix shirt having 80% cotton and 20% polyester. Many buyers would ignore this scam and move one, so stay authentic and pay only for what you have got in return.
How to Avoid Scam on Alibaba
If you are a regular buyer from Alibaba, you should know how to avoid these scams. However, for newbies, they can follow the below-mentioned methods to avoid being scammed on the platform.
Verification and Authentication
Since Alibaba verifies and authenticates sellers before allowing them access to the platform. Therefore, you should also check their verification status. You can do so by visiting their websites and checking for office address and business contact numbers.
User Reviews
One of the best ways to avoid scams on Alibaba is to check user reviews and ratings of the seller. So, these reviews can help you make the decision whether to buy from a particular seller or not. Positive reviews means you should move ahead while refraining from buying from a seller with negative reviews.
Use Trade Assurances
You can easily check whether any supplier has been accepting all trade assurances before accepting business proposals. A genuine supplier would always have accepted these assurances, meaning you can enter into a business relationship with this seller.
Check Transaction History
By clicking on the orange diamond next to the name of the supplier on Alibaba to get its transaction history. It is the best tool to gauge the financial capacity and past performance of the supplier. You can also find whether the supplier is genuine or a fake entity.
Factory Inspections
Another key method to check sellers’ authenticity is to make its factory inspection documents. These documents will help you avoid getting scammed on Alibaba issues by providing authenticity of the supplier.
Browse Website
Genuine businesses these days always have a professional website. Generally, real businesses have an English website clearly citing their key products, addresses and certifications. Therefore, you can visit your shortlisted suppliers’ website to understand whether it is genuine or a fraud.
FAQs
Can I get my money back if I get scammed on Alibaba?
Yes! Alibaba has covered buyers through a trade assurance policy, which processes your refund (if approved) within seven days in the event of shipping or quality-related disputes.
How do I report a scammer on Alibaba?
Alibaba has a dedicated complaint center through which you can easily report a valid scam with supporting proof. Subsequently, Alibaba Security Team will check it and follow up.
Does Alibaba sell fake products?
No! Alibaba does not sell or encourage sale of fake products. Therefore, they have a vigilant policy to counter scam selling and ban and punish scammers.
Conclusion
I got scammed on Alibaba is an increasing concern as many people are afraid of making purchases from the platform. However, Alibaba has taken strict actions against scammers and developed checkpoints to stop them getting onto the platform.
Moreover, buyers should remain vigilant by thoroughly checking the sellers’ credentials before placing an order. Key elements like customer reviews, transaction history, communication style and checking websites can help buyers distinguish between a scam and genuine seller. If you have ever been scammed on Alibaba and looking for a trustworthy shipping partner, contact OZ Prep Services at +61 0402 651 314 or visit us online at https://ozprepservices.com to forget the previous bad experience and get your goods delivered swiftly with confidence.
