We all probably know one person who has bought a counterfeit product on Lazada or Shopee. Although we can’t get rid of these scammers, there are ways to avoid buying from them.
Sign #1 - Prices that are Too Good To Be True
Ever come across something you’re looking for that’s suspiciously cheap? If the answer is yes, then it’s very likely to be fake. Take a look at the image below.
The Recommended Retail Price (RRP) of an iPhone 12 with 64GB ROM is ₱ 49,990 (source: Apple Store Philippines). Here we see the iPhone 12 with 512GB ROM + 8GB RAM being sold at only ₱ 7,000. That’s more than an 85% discount and should raise a huge red flag if it hasn’t already.
Of course, product counterfeits are easier to spot when it comes to bigger priced items and branded products. Be vigilant too when looking for lesser-known brands.
Smart tip: Check official websites for the RRP of a product you’re keen on buying to make sure the prices aren’t too far apart.
Sign #2 - The store is too new
We’re not saying that every new store on Lazada and Shopee are bogus sellers. Although, when combined with Sign #1, it is very likely that this seller could be a potential scammer.
This is the store of the iPhone 12 counterfeit we mentioned in Sign #1. The seller joined Shopee a mere 9 days ago, but already has over 200 ratings for products they’ve sold. Additionally, they're giving a 98% off voucher! Sketchy, much?
Smart tip: Visit the seller’s profile and take a look at the products they sell. If most of the products seem too good to be true or suspicious, run.
Sign #3 - Bad or no reviews
A seller’s reputation on Lazada or Shopee is determined by reviews given by their customers. If most of the reviews are bad, or worse - nonexistent, another red flag is raised.
This new Lazada seller has no reviews and a passable Chat Response Rate. Though this may not necessarily mean they’re fake, it’s better to protect yourself and probably best to look for another seller.
Although, good reviews do not necessarily mean the seller is authentic either. Remember the iPhone 12 counterfeit mentioned in Sign #1 and Sign #2?
The seller actually has positive reviews, and some with pictures too. Not surprisingly, it is common for unscrupulous sellers to buy reviews or get their friends to post reviews on these marketplaces to trick potential buyers into thinking they’re legit.
Sign #4 - They ask for personal information
Sellers should not reach out to you for personal information. If you receive a call, message or email from anyone claiming to be a seller asking for any personal information, do not entertain them and notify the marketplace immediately.
Smart tip: Always keep your conversations with the seller within the marketplace’s platform for better safety measures.
Sign #5 - They ask for a direct bank transfer
Never ever make any transactions outside of the respective marketplace’s platform. The moment you do, Lazada or Shopee would not be able to make the refund if you have been scammed. Only make payment via Lazada or Shopee’s website or mobile app.
We hope these tips help when identifying potential fraudulent sellers on Lazada and Shopee. Do share this piece of info with your family and friends, especially the elderly who are not so familiar with how marketplaces work.