How often do you buy items from online stores? Have you ever been conned or encountered a suspicious seller? You are not the only one. Online scamming has become a huge problem in e-commerce.
Consumers are reverting to traditional methods of shopping for fear of losing money. This is mainly because scammers prey on unsuspecting customers that go on online platforms to find quality and affordable products. Just like many platforms, Alibaba hasn’t been spared.
Well, worry no more! We have come up with an Alibaba scammer list to help you sniff them out and continue shopping from the comfort of your home. Below are some of the popular ways scammers use to deceive buyers on Alibaba, and how best to avoid them. Let’s dive in.
目录
Alibaba Scammer List
#1：Use Fake Certificates
- How does this scam work?
Regulatory agencies are responsible for inspecting and regulating manufacturing processes. If a manufacturer’s production satisfies the agency, they issue the necessary certificates. The certification confirms that the products are up to standard.
Scammers are aware of this, hence, they forge or use expired certificates to present to their customers. You end up paying for substandard products that do not match the money you spent.
- How to avoid.
Before sending money, especially on products that may be detrimental to your health, ask for certification from the supplier. Verify the certificates with the relevant organization.
#2：Middlemen Posting as Manufacturers
- How does this scam work?
Some scammers create false websites for companies that do not exist or provide exaggerated information about their companies. They pose as manufacturers and post other companies’ products as their own. They go to great lengths to deceive the masses.
- How to avoid
Always do your due diligence. Check the company website and find out if they are traders or manufacturers since some put out false information to attract buyers. Moreover, you can request a factory tour, in that, you contact them via a video call and request one.
#3：Sell Infringing Products
- How does this scam work?
This type of scam primarily affects customers who are buying to sell. The most common infringing products are those patented by the inventor. Unlike trademarks and copyrights, it is hard to know if a particular product has been patented, making it easy for scammers to sell to unsuspecting buyers.
Always check products for patents, trademarks, and copyrights to Avoid losing money in legal battles or paying royalties to the rightful owner.
- How to avoid
Make use of Google patents to check whether the product has a patent because some suppliers will not disclose this information. Also, to be on the safer side, contact product sourcing agents who will find all the needed information about the products or find appropriate ones for you.
#4：Dispatching Counterfeit Items With Brandings
- How does this scam work?
The saying cheap is expensive can never be more true. Some suppliers are labeling their fake products with other brand names. They use known brands that are popular among customers.
The problem is, that the quality of counterfeit products is warranting and will not be as efficient as the original one. Their victims realize this scam when it is too late.
- How to avoid
Always check product reviews. Buyers usually leave honest comments on the said products and if one complains about the quality, then it is best to avoid it.
Also, you can check the logos and trademarks and compare them to the original brand. You will find an error in the copied items’ branding.
Additionally, it is recommended to work with dropshipping agents that offer product inspection among their services. They are skilled in distinguishing between original products and knockoffs.
#5：Suppliers Refuse to Send Samples
- How does this scam work?
This is a pretty direct scam but buyers still fall prey. Manufacturers will always have samples on standby so they can send them to their buyers. More so because samples help interested parties decide whether to buy or not.
- How to avoid
It is a red flag if a supplier refuses to send samples. Legitimate manufacturers will always have samples for their products. If they delay or give excuses on providing a sample, then suspect them as middlemen. You should avoid such suppliers like a plague.
#6：Poor Quality Products Compared to Sample
- How does this scam work?
Some scammers are now conning people by providing samples but sending counterfeit products afterward. They gain your trust, and after you order [especially in bulk], you receive low-quality products that don’t match the sample. It is a strategy they use since a good number of buyers request samples before purchase.
- How to avoid
Alibaba introduced an Alibaba trade assurance to help in such a situation. There is an agreement where you are expected to give all the details of the product you want such as quality, material, and color. In case of any quality issues, you will be refunded.
Also, work with a reliable 3PL service provider as they will inspect product quality before delivery.
#7: Buy Alibaba Gold Supplier [3-5 years] Account to Scam with Poor Quality or Fake Products
- How does this scam work?
An Alibaba gold supplier account is a premium account for suppliers to show they are inspected and verified. Since buyers trust gold suppliers, scammers are now buying these accounts. They use the good reputation the account provides and sell poor quality or fake products at high prices.
- How to avoid
The best way to avoid such scammers is to engage a third-party company. Bestfulfill is the right choice for you as it has the capabilities of verifying suppliers and avoiding fake ones. They will ease your work by inspecting the factory, production capacity, and the necessary certifications.
#8: The United Kingdom and the United States’ Unconfirmed Alibaba Accounts
- How does this scam work?
China has been known as the hub of counterfeiting. Even though not all suppliers from China are a threat, some buyers tend to avoid them and opt for products from the US or UK. This unfortunate circumstance has made some suppliers change their addresses to US/UK to scam buyers.
- How to avoid
Be vigilant and check for verification. Alibaba confirms real suppliers by adding a blue tick on their page. If there is none, then suspect them as fake.
#9: Changing Products Without Notice at the Time of Dispatch
- How does this scam work?
Many online buyers have expressed their frustrations with delivered goods. It is most common with garments; you order one size, for example, and get an entirely new size that doesn’t fit.
Others even send you an entirely different product from your order. The suppliers then refuse returns or give lots of excuses.
- How to avoid
Whether it’s your first or subsequent order, always do a pre-shipment check to confirm your goods. Make use of trade assurance to help with the inspection.
#10: Actual Delivery Time is Later Than Promised Arrival Time
- How does this scam work?
If your products arrive later than the promised date, the supplier might be a scammer. Delays are sometimes due to the supplier wanting to get more profit than the product can give. So they delay and ask for extra charges like shipping costs.
- How to avoid
When there are delays, check with the supplier to understand the problem and set a new date. 3PL agents come in handy as they ensure your products are delivered on time.
#11: Supplier Email Hacking [Email Fraud]
- How does this scam work?
This scam affects both the supplier and the buyer. A hacker gets into the supplier’s emails and gets notifications from interested clients. They then send payment details to the clients who send the money there without suspecting any foul play.
- How to avoid
Double-check with the supplier on where to send payment. Get in touch with them through other means like skype or direct call.
#12: Asking for Extra Custom Bonds Payment
- How does this scam work?
A customs bond is a legal document that ensures the importer complies with customs regulations.
- How to avoid
Custom bonds are only requested for products more than $2500 and these charges apply in the US. If your supplier is from China and asking for these charges, they are trying to scam you.
#13: Channeling Payments to a Personal Account
- How does this scam work?
Here, the scammer may use discounts to attract customers to their products. Once you order the goods, they insist you send money to a personal account since there is a problem with the business account.
- How to avoid
You should avoid sending money to personal accounts. Some suppliers may be legitimate but the risk of being conned by sending money to such accounts is too high.
#14: Only Accepting Payment Via Western Union or Moneygram
- How does this scam work?
Even though it is not entirely a sign of a scam, money sent on either Western Union or Moneygram are essentially personal accounts. So be vigilant when a supplier requests payment on these platforms.
- How to avoid
Go with vendors who have payment options such as bank transfers or Paypal. These methods have proven to be used by many real suppliers.
#15: Ask for Additional Payment for Customs Clearance & Threatens not to Deliver Goods
- How does this scam work?
If your vendor asks for additional payment and threatens not to deliver, it is time to opt out of the deal. Some sellers even give you a fake tracking ID to deceive you further. You will wait for your items but never get them.
- How to avoid
First, verify any information given by the seller before sending any money. Also, check the contract of trade terms. Some require the supplier to pay for the taxes and duties.
#16: Invoice Made to a Personal Bank Account
- How does this scam work?
As mentioned earlier, any payments or invoices requested to be paid on a personal bank account should be suspected. Scammers have realized that some buyers don’t know this fact.
- How to avoid
Work with suppliers who only receive payments from platforms like Paypal. They are secure, meaning manufacturers will opt for them to avoid payment problems.
#17: New Supplier Taking Your Money and Running
- How does this scam work?
Being a supplier on Alibaba is not hard, as long as you pay the membership fee, you are good to go. Scammers may pose as suppliers or new suppliers decide to scam buyers. They receive payments and fail to deliver goods.
- How to avoid
It is best to deal with suppliers who have worked with Alibaba for years and are verified. If you order from new ones, use reliable dropshipping agents.
#18: Cost-Changing Scam
- How does this scam work?
Some suppliers quote very competitive prices to lure customers to buy their products. Once you finalize, they start adding charges or changing the price of the products. When you encounter this situation, it is best to stay away.
- How to avoid
Sometimes, prices can change within days of ordering due to changes in material pricing. You should do your due diligence and verify such information. You can also negotiate while assessing their interaction.
#19: Ask for Higher Prices After You Placed the Order
- How does this work?
So, you search on Alibaba for particular goods and find pocket-friendly prices. You start the ordering process, pay for the goods, and realize they cost more than their mentioned prices. It is a tactic that scammers use to attract buyers. Sometimes they threaten to withhold the goods if you don’t send the extra money.
- How to avoid
Don’t send any money but if you have, don’t send any extra. You can also rely on multiple suppliers so that if one changes its prices, you contact another one.
Conclusion
Shopping online has become a hustle as scammers are finding innovative ways to scam unsuspecting buyers. Our list informs buyers of their tactics and how best to avoid them.
We, at Bestfulfill, have the capabilities to distinguish all these scammers. Enjoy the best services available to ensure your products arrive on time and in perfect condition.
We give you the confidence you need when shopping online. Get in touch with our experts on how to navigate online shopping.