How to Avoid: I Got Scammed on Alibaba?
I’m sorry to hear that you got scammed on Alibaba. It’s unfortunate that these scams happen, but they are not uncommon.
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Scams vs. Poor Quality
Being scammed from Alibaba and buying poor quality are two different things. With the improvement of various protections, it is difficult for scammers to survive on Alibaba. Then we should learn how to do quality control when buying on Alibaba.
Here are some of the most common Alibaba scams:
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Fake products: Scammers may sell counterfeit products, such as brand-name goods that are actually made in China. These products may be of poor quality and may not meet safety standards.
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Price increases: Scammers may increase the price of the products after you place an order.
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Low-quality samples: Scammers may send you high-quality samples of the products, but the actual products you receive may be of poor quality.
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Non-delivery: Scammers may take your money and never deliver the products.
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Fake payment methods: Scammers may ask you to pay for the products using a fake payment method, such as a gift card or wire transfer.15 Alibaba Scams: How to Avoid Alibaba Scams/Fraud?
What Should I Do when Got Scammed on Alibaba?
I understand that you have been scammed on Alibaba. I am sorry to hear that. Here are some things you can do:
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Contact the supplier and ask for a refund. Be polite and professional, and explain that you believe you have been scammed. If the supplier is willing to cooperate, they may be able to issue a refund.
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File a complaint with Alibaba. Alibaba has a dispute resolution process that can help you get your money back. You can file a complaint online or by contacting Alibaba customer service.
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Contact your credit card company. If you paid for the products with a credit card, you may be able to dispute the charge. This will allow you to get your money back, even if the supplier is not willing to cooperate.
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Report the scam to the authorities. If you believe that you have been the victim of a criminal scam, you should report it to the authorities. This could help prevent others from being scammed in the future.
Alibaba Get Refund for Fake Items?
To address this issue, I recommend reaching out to either the seller directly or the Alibaba customer support team. You can request either a refund or a replacement for the defective items.
Be sure to include your order number and provide a comprehensive description of the issues with the products.
It’s possible that you may also be requested to submit photos or videos as evidence of the defects. Please keep in mind that the specific procedures for obtaining a refund may differ based on the seller’s policies and the platform’s rules and regulations.
In order to enhance the efficiency of the end-to-end after-sales process for Trade Assurance online orders initiated by buyers (“Buyer”) on the Alibaba platform (“Trade Assurance Orders“), Alibaba.com has implemented updates to its Quick Refund guidelines for Trade Assurance Orders.
Here are the specifics:
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When the Buyer submits or modifies a refund request on the Alibaba platform, the Seller must respond to the Buyer’s request within five (5) calendar days. To do so, the Seller can access the “My Alibaba” section, proceed to “Order Management,” and navigate to “All refund requests.” There, the Seller can choose to “Accept” or “Provide an alternative resolution for the Buyer’s refund request.” If the Seller does not respond within the designated five-day period after the Buyer’s request, Alibaba.com’s platform will proceed to fulfill the Buyer’s refund request. It’s important to note that this refund does not cover any service fee(s) paid by the Buyer.
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If the Seller offers an alternative resolution to the Buyer’s refund request, the Buyer is required to respond within five (5) calendar days. The Buyer can access “My Alibaba,” then go to “Order Management” and select “All refund requests.” There, the Buyer can choose to “Accept,” “Edit Refund Request,” “Escalate Dispute,” or “Cancel Refund Request” in response to the refund request. Failing to respond within the five-day period will result in the cancellation of the Buyer’s refund request by the Alibaba platform.
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After the Seller initially responds to the Buyer’s refund request, both parties, the Buyer and the Seller, have the option to request the Alibaba platform’s intervention if necessary. The entire duration of the refund negotiation should not exceed thirty (30) calendar days, known as the “Prescribed Period.” If the Buyer and Seller cannot reach an agreement within this time frame, Alibaba.com’s platform will automatically step in to process the Buyer’s refund request.
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A Remind:
Trade assurance can protect the safety of your funds to a certain extent, but there is also a risk of failure. And you have to spend a lot of time and energy to appeal until you are exhausted and give up.
Here are some tips to avoid getting scammed on Alibaba:
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Do your research: Before you make a purchase, do your research on the supplier. Read reviews from other buyers and check if the supplier is a Gold Supplier.
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Ask for samples: Before you place a large order, ask for samples of the products. This will help you to ensure that the quality of the products is what you expect.
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Use a secure payment method: Use a secure payment method, such as PayPal or a credit card. This will give you some protection if you are scammed.
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Be wary of low prices: If the price of the products is too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of suppliers who offer prices that are much lower than the market rate.
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Do Alibaba pre-shipment inspection: Pre-shipment inspection (PSI) is a crucial step in the importing process, especially when sourcing products from overseas suppliers on platforms like Alibaba.com. PSI involves having a third-party inspection agency assess the quality and compliance of goods before they are shipped to ensure they meet your expectations and contractual obligations.
Hire Alibaba Agent to Do the Quality Control:
If you think you have been scammed on Alibaba, you can try to contact the supplier and ask for a refund. You can also file a complaint with Alibaba.
However, it is important to note that Alibaba is not responsible for the products or services that are sold on its platform. So, learn how to find a good supplier on Alibaba and do quality control for each shipment. You will kill 95% quality problem.
An Alibaba agent helps facilitate business transactions between buyers and sellers on Alibaba. They can assist with product sourcing, negotiation, quality control, shipping, and other logistical aspects.
Look for help in Alibaba Scams List Forum:
The primary purpose of this Facebook group is to share tips and tricks for sourcing products on 1688. We also encourage members to discuss broader topics related to importing from China, making this group a valuable resource center for importers.
China Import Forum/Facebook group