How to Avoid Getting Scammed at Shopee or Lazada?

Tips on how to avoid getting scammed at Shopee or Lazada

SHOPEE and LAZADA – Here’s how to avoid falling victim to scams from unscrupulous sellers on both online shopping platforms.

A significant number of individuals have become targets of deceitful schemes orchestrated by dishonest vendors on both Shopee and Lazada. These unfortunate incidents have raised alarm bells within the online shopping community, sparking a growing sense of caution among potential buyers.

As unsuspecting shoppers navigate these platforms, they find themselves vulnerable to various scams that may involve counterfeit products, deceptive advertisements, or unscrupulous business practices. The need for awareness and preventive measures to protect consumers from falling prey to such fraudulent activities has never been more critical.

But what are the ways to safeguard against scams on Lazada or Shopee?

Prior Research: Before making a purchase, conduct external research. Start by Googling the product or seller’s name. If your search results are limited to Lazada or Shopee listings, be cautious.
If It Seems Too Good to Be True: Trust your instincts. If a deal appears too good to be true, seek opinions from those familiar with the product or look for additional information online.
Verify the Seller: Exercise caution when dealing with shops that lack a verifiable physical store or website. If they only exist on free social media accounts, be extra cautious. For branded items, avoid searching on Shopee or Lazada initially. Instead, visit the brand’s official website first. These websites often provide links to their official Shopee or Lazada shops. If there’s no link to the Shopee/Lazada shop, check the contact page and ask for the official link to ensure you’re dealing with the brand’s official shop.
Shop from Verified Outlets: Opt for verified shops like Lazmall or Shopee Mall, as they are less likely to engage in scams.
Don’t Trust Claims Blindly: Be skeptical of claims such as ‘Genuine,’ ‘Official Store,’ ‘Good quality,’ or ‘Authentic.’ It’s easy for scammers to use genuine images and add enticing text. Always scrutinize product details.
Payment within the Platform: Never make payments outside of the official platform. You won’t have dispute protection for transactions conducted off-platform. If a seller offers additional discounts or freebies but insists on an off-platform payment, cease communication with them immediately.
Review the Negative Feedback: Don’t rely solely on the overall rating. Read comments from buyers who rated the product with 1 or 2 stars. Sometimes, products with high overall ratings still turn out to be scams.
Avoid Shops with Random Letters: Be cautious of shops with seemingly random and unintelligible letters in their names. These shops often disappear quickly, along with your money.
Inspect Before Confirming Receipt: To facilitate refunds, thoroughly inspect and test the product before marking it as ‘Received.’ This step ensures you can request a refund or return if necessary.
Rate Honestly: If the product meets your expectations, leave an honest review. Your feedback can help other buyers and support honest sellers.