What Can I Do If I Get Scammed on AliExpress?(Complete 2026 Guide)

You ordered something on AliExpress. You waited weeks. The package finally arrived… and it’s completely wrong. Or worse—nothing arrived at all.

Now you’re out of money, frustrated, and wondering: “Did I just get scammed? What can I do about it?”

I’ve been there. I ordered what I thought was a quality phone case. What showed up was a flimsy piece of plastic that didn’t even fit my phone. The seller? Suddenly unresponsive.

The good news? You have options. AliExpress has buyer protection, and there are specific steps you can take to get your money back.

This guide will walk you through exactly what to do if you get scammed on AliExpress, how to avoid scams in the future, and whether this whole experience might be a sign to rethink how you shop online.

Let’s get your money back.

Table of Contents

1. Common AliExpress Scams (Know What You’re Dealing With)
2. Immediate Actions: What to Do RIGHT NOW
3. Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Money Back
4. What If AliExpress Denies Your Claim?
5. Prevention: How to Avoid Getting Scammed
6. Real Scam Scenarios & Solutions
7. Better Alternatives to AliExpress
8. FAQ

1. Common AliExpress Scams (Know What You’re Dealing With)

Before we fix your problem, let’s identify what type of scam you’re dealing with. Recognizing the scam helps you build a stronger case.

Scam Type #1: Item Never Arrives (The Classic)

What happens:

• Seller provides a tracking number
• Tracking shows “delivered” but you never received anything
• OR tracking never updates past “shipped”
• OR tracking is completely fake

Red flags:

• Tracking number doesn’t work on official postal sites
• “Delivered” to wrong address or city
• Package marked delivered but you were home all day
• Seller pressures you to close the dispute before delivery

Why it works: Sellers bank on you not checking tracking or missing the dispute deadline.

Your recourse: Very strong case for full refund if you have proof you didn’t receive it.

Scam Type #2: Item Not as Described (The Switcheroo)

What happens:

• Product photos show high quality
• What arrives is completely different (color, size, quality, material)
• Sometimes it’s a completely different product

Real examples:

• “Leather” jacket is actually plastic
• “Gold” jewelry is spray-painted metal
• “500GB USB drive” is actually 4GB with hacked firmware
• “Brand name” product is an obvious knockoff

Red flags:

• Professional product photos vs. terrible actual product
• Weight is way off (cheap materials are lighter)
• Packaging is sketchy or nonexistent
• Brand logos are misspelled or wrong

Your recourse: Strong case if you have comparison photos. Partial or full refund possible.

Scam Type #3: Counterfeit Products (The Fake)

What happens:

• Seller advertises genuine brand name product
• What arrives is a fake with poor quality
• Sometimes dangerous (fake chargers, cosmetics, batteries)

How to spot:

• Price is way too low (genuine iPhone case for $2? Nope)
• Product has typos or wrong logos
• Quality is obviously inferior
• Safety certifications are missing or fake

Red flags:

• “Authentic” at 90% discount
• Seller has inconsistent product listings
• Reviews mention “replica” or “similar to original”

Your recourse: Very strong case. Counterfeits violate AliExpress policy AND are often illegal.

Scam Type #4: Bait and Switch Quality

What happens:

• First orders from seller are good quality (builds trust and reviews)
• Later orders are much lower quality
• Seller substitutes cheap versions once they have good ratings

Why it’s hard to catch:

• Old reviews are positive
• New reviews haven’t caught up yet
• Seller might delete negative reviews quickly

Your recourse: Moderate case. Compare with review photos if possible.

Scam Type #5: The “Return for Refund” Trap

What happens:

• You open dispute
• Seller agrees to refund if you return item
• You ship item back (at your expense)
• Seller claims they never received it OR refuses refund anyway

Red flags:

• Seller insists on return but doesn’t provide return address
• Return shipping costs more than item value
• Seller wants you to close dispute before return arrives

Your recourse: NEVER return items unless AliExpress tells you to. Don’t fall for this one.

Scam Type #6: Empty Package

What happens:

• Tracking shows package delivered
• You receive an envelope/box but it’s empty or contains trash
• Seller has proof of “delivery” (by weight/tracking)

Why it works: Hard to prove the box was empty when you opened it.

Your recourse: Open box on video if possible. Report immediately. Medium difficulty to win.

Scam Type #7: Fake Tracking Numbers

What happens:

• Seller provides tracking number
• Tracking works but shows package going somewhere completely different
• OR tracking is for a different, cheaper item
• Package never comes to you

How they do it: Sellers use tracking from other shipments or create fake tracking.

Your recourse: Strong case. Check tracking on official postal sites.

2. Immediate Actions: What to Do RIGHT NOW

Stop. Take a breath. Panicking won’t help. Let’s handle this methodically.

Action #1: Document Everything (5 minutes)

Before you do ANYTHING else:

1. Take photos of:
   • What you received vs. what was advertised
   • Packaging (outside and inside)
   • Tracking information
   • Item details (labels, materials, dimensions)
2. Screenshot:
   • Original product listing
   • Your order confirmation
   • Any communication with seller
   • Tracking updates
3. Save:
   • Original product listing URL
   • Order number
   • Seller’s store name
   • Purchase date

Why this matters: This is your evidence. Collect it NOW before listings are deleted or modified.

Action #2: Check Buyer Protection Status (2 minutes)

Do this:

1. Go to “My Orders” in AliExpress
2. Find your order
3. Look at “Buyer Protection” status
4. Note the deadline date

Critical: You must file a dispute BEFORE buyer protection expires (usually 60-90 days from purchase).

If protection expires in <5 days: Act FAST. Skip to Step 3 and open a dispute immediately.

If you have time: Continue with these steps in order.

Action #3: Don’t Leave Feedback Yet

DO NOT:

• Leave positive feedback (even if seller asks)
• Confirm receipt if you haven’t received it
• Close any disputes prematurely
• Accept partial refunds unless you’re genuinely satisfied

Why: Once you confirm receipt or leave positive feedback, it’s much harder to dispute.

3. Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Money Back

Now let’s get your money back. Follow these steps in order.

Step 1: Contact the Seller First (Give Them 24-48 Hours)

Why bother? Sometimes sellers will resolve issues quickly to avoid disputes (which hurt their ratings).

How to message:

1. Go to your order in “My Orders”
2. Click “Contact Seller”
3. Send a clear, firm message

Message template:

Hello,

Order #[YOUR ORDER NUMBER]

I received my order today, but there is a problem:

[Describe the issue clearly]
- Item not as described
- Wrong color/size
- Damaged/defective
- Never arrived

I am requesting:
- Full refund without return
[OR]
- Return shipping label for full refund
[OR]
- Replacement item

Please respond within 48 hours or I will need to open a dispute.

Thank you.

Be polite but firm. Don’t be rude, but don’t be weak either.

Expected outcomes:

• Good seller: Offers immediate full/partial refund
• Average seller: Offers 20-50% refund to “make you happy”
• Scam seller: Ignores you, asks you to wait, or makes excuses

Give them 48 hours. If they don’t respond or refuse, move to Step 2.

Step 2: Open a Dispute on AliExpress (15 minutes)

If the seller doesn’t help or ignores you, it’s time to escalate.

How to open a dispute:

Step 1: Go to “My Orders”

Step 2: Find the problem order

Step 3: Click “Open Dispute”

Step 4: Choose your dispute reason:

For items not received:

• Select “I did not receive my item”
• Provide tracking evidence showing no delivery

For wrong/defective items:

• Select “Item not as described”
• Be specific: wrong color, wrong size, defective, counterfeit, etc.

Step 5: Select refund amount:

• Full refund (recommended): If item is completely wrong or never arrived
• Partial refund: If item has minor issues but is usable

Step 6: Upload your evidence:

• Photos comparing advertised vs. received
• Screenshots of listing
• Tracking information
• Communication with seller

Step 7: Write a clear explanation:

I received this order on [DATE]. The item is not as described.

Advertised: [What the listing showed]
Received: [What you actually got]

Evidence attached shows:
- Photo 1: Product listing
- Photo 2: Item I received
- Photo 3: Quality issues

I am requesting a full refund of [AMOUNT].

Be specific. Vague complaints like “bad quality” are weaker than “advertised as leather, received plastic.”

Step 8: Submit dispute

What happens next:

• Seller has 5-7 days to respond
• Seller might accept, reject, or counter-offer
• If you don’t reach agreement, AliExpress mediates

Step 3: Negotiate (Or Don’t)

After you open the dispute, the seller will respond.

Seller accepts: Great! Refund will be processed.

Seller offers partial refund:

Consider accepting if:

• It’s reasonable (30-50% for minor issues)
• You can still use the item
• You don’t want to wait for full mediation

Reject if:

• Item is completely unusable
• It’s a counterfeit or dangerous
• You received wrong item entirely

Seller rejects or ignores:

• Wait for the response period to end
• AliExpress will automatically escalate

Seller asks you to close dispute: NEVER DO THIS unless refund is already in your account.

Common scam: Seller promises to send replacement if you close dispute. You close it. They disappear.

Step 4: AliExpress Mediation (Final Decision)

If you and the seller don’t agree, AliExpress steps in.

How it works:

1. AliExpress mediator reviews all evidence
2. They look at:
   • Photos you submitted
   • Tracking information
   • Seller’s response
   • Your order history
   • Seller’s history
3. They make a final decision (usually within 7-15 days)
4. Decision is binding (can’t appeal)

Tips to win:

• Clear, detailed evidence
• Professional communication
• Specific descriptions of problem
• Comparison photos
• x Emotional rants
• x Vague complaints
• x Threats to seller

Likely outcomes:

• Full refund: If evidence clearly shows item wrong/never arrived
• Partial refund: If item has issues but is somewhat as described
• No refund: If evidence is weak or you misunderstood listing

Be patient. This process takes 2-3 weeks total sometimes.

Step 5: Receive Your Refund

If AliExpress rules in your favor:

Refund timeline:

• AliExpress processes: 2-7 days
• Payment provider processes: 3-20 days
• Total: Up to 30 days maximum

Where refund goes:

• Original payment method (credit card, PayPal, etc.)
• Check your statement carefully (might show as “ALIPAY”)

What if refund doesn’t arrive after 30 days?

• Contact AliExpress support with dispute ID
• Contact your bank/PayPal
• Provide transaction reference number

4. What If AliExpress Denies Your Claim?

Sometimes AliExpress rules against you. It’s frustrating, but you still have options.

Option #1: File a Chargeback with Your Bank

What is a chargeback? You ask your bank/credit card company to reverse the charge and get your money back.

When to do this:

• AliExpress denied your dispute unfairly
• You have strong evidence
• You received counterfeit or dangerous items
• Item never arrived despite tracking

How to file a chargeback:

Step 1: Call your bank/credit card company

• Phone number on back of your card
• Say: “I need to file a chargeback dispute”

Step 2: Provide evidence:

• Order confirmation
• Photos of item vs. listing
• Dispute details from AliExpress
• Communication with seller
• Tracking information

Step 3: Bank investigates (30-90 days)

Step 4: Decision made

Success rate: High (banks usually side with cardholders)

Downside: AliExpress will likely ban your account permanently

Is it worth it?

• For $10? Probably not
• For $100+? Absolutely
• For dangerous/counterfeit items? Always

Option #2: PayPal Dispute (If You Paid with PayPal)

Better than chargeback because:

• Faster resolution (usually 10-20 days)
• Might not get banned from AliExpress
• PayPal has buyer protection

How to file:

1. Log into PayPal
2. Go to “Resolution Center”
3. Find the transaction
4. Click “Report a Problem”
5. Select “Item not received” or “Significantly not as described”
6. Upload evidence
7. Wait for PayPal decision

Timeline: Usually resolved in 10-30 days

Option #3: Leave Honest Reviews & Report

Where to leave reviews:

• AliExpress seller page
• Product listing
• Trustpilot
• Reddit (r/Aliexpress)
• Social media

What to include:

• Photos of what you received vs. advertised
• Clear description of scam
• Seller name and store URL
• Warning to other buyers

Why this matters:

• Warns other buyers
• Damages seller’s reputation
• Might pressure seller to refund
• Creates public record

Be factual: Stick to facts, not emotions. “Received plastic instead of leather” is better than “WORST SELLER EVER!!!”

Option #4: Consumer Protection Agencies

File complaints with:

• Better Business Bureau (BBB)
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – US
• Your local consumer protection authority
• Trading Standards – UK
• ACCC – Australia

Will they get your money back? Probably not directly.

Why do it anyway?

• Creates official record
• Contributes to investigations
• May result in action against AliExpress/seller later

5. Prevention: How to Avoid Getting Scammed (Next Time)

Let’s make sure this doesn’t happen again.

Prevention Tip #1: Vet Sellers Like Your Money Depends on It (Because It Does)

Before buying from ANY seller, check:

1. Seller Rating

• 95%+ positive feedback
• 90-94% (proceed with caution)
• x Below 90% (avoid)

2. Store Age

• 2+ years
• 6 months – 2 years
• x Under 6 months (higher risk)

3. Number of Orders

• 10,000+ orders (established)
• 1,000-10,000 (okay)
• x Under 1,000 (new/risky)

4. Badges

• “Top Brand” badge
• “Choice” badge
• “Verified” badge

Red flags:

• 🚩 Seller has multiple stores with similar products (scam technique)
• 🚩 All reviews are 5-star with no text (fake reviews)
• 🚩 Seller doesn’t respond to questions

Prevention Tip #2: Read Reviews PROPERLY

Don’t just look at stars. Actually READ reviews.

Focus on:

• Reviews with PHOTOS (most honest)
• Recent reviews (product quality can change)
• Reviews from your country (shipping insights)
• 3-4 star reviews (most balanced)

Red flags in reviews:

• 🚩 All reviews posted same day
• 🚩 Generic text (“Good product, fast shipping”)
• 🚩 Photos don’t match each other
• 🚩 Recent negative reviews after many positive ones (quality dropped)

Pro tip: Sort by “Most Recent” not “Most Helpful” to see current quality.

Prevention Tip #3: Communication Test

Before ordering, message the seller:

Hello,

I'm interested in [product]. Can you confirm:
1. Is this [material/brand/specification]?
2. What is the processing time?
3. Do you accept returns?

Thank you.

Good seller: Responds within 24-48 hours with specific answers

Bad seller: Ignores you, gives vague answers, or is defensive

If seller won’t answer simple questions, DON’T BUY.

Prevention Tip #4: Screenshot EVERYTHING

Before you order:

1. Screenshot product listing (all photos and description)
2. Screenshot price and shipping terms
3. Save seller’s store URL
4. Screenshot any chat conversations

Why: Sellers often edit listings after problems arise. Your screenshots are proof.

Prevention Tip #5: Use Secure Payment Methods

Best options:

1. PayPal (if available) – Extra buyer protection
2. Credit Card – Chargeback protection
3. Debit Card with buyer protection

Never use:

• Direct bank transfer
• Western Union
• Cryptocurrency
• Cash on delivery through suspicious methods

Prevention Tip #6: Set Realistic Expectations

Remember:

• Shipping takes 2-6 weeks (sometimes longer)
• $2 items won’t be premium quality
• Packaging is often minimal/poor
• Colors might not match photos exactly
• Sizes often run small (especially clothing)

Manage expectations to avoid disappointment.

Prevention Tip #7: Know When to Pay More

For these items, DON’T buy cheapest option:

• Electronics with batteries (fire risk)
• Chargers and adapters (electrical safety)
• Cosmetics/skincare (skin safety)
• Baby products (safety standards)
• Security products (locks, cameras)

For these, cheap is okay:

• Phone cases
• Decorations
• Craft supplies
• Clothes (if you accept risk of sizing/quality issues)

Your health and safety > saving a few dollars.

6. Real Scam Scenarios & Solutions

Let’s look at specific scenarios and exactly what to do.

Scenario #1: Package Says “Delivered” But You Never Got It

What probably happened:

• Tracking is fake/for different item
• Delivered to wrong address
• Stolen from your doorstep
• Seller shipped empty package

What to do:

Step 1: Check tracking on official postal site (not just AliExpress)

Step 2: Check with neighbors and family

Step 3: Contact your local post office with tracking number

Step 4: If confirmed not delivered:

1. Open dispute: “Item not received”
2. Upload screenshot showing tracking details
3. Include statement from post office if possible
4. Request full refund

Evidence to provide:

• Tracking showing delivery address doesn’t match yours
• Statement that you were home and no delivery occurred
• Photos of your address showing no package

Likely outcome: Full refund if tracking doesn’t match your address or postal service confirms no delivery.

Scenario #2: Received Completely Different Product

Example: Ordered laptop, received rubber duck.

What to do:

Step 1: Take photos immediately

• Item received
• Packaging
• Shipping label
• Weight on label vs. actual

Step 2: Take screenshot of original listing

Step 3: Open dispute: “Item not as described”

Step 4: Upload comparison photos:

• What was advertised
• What you received
• Side by side if possible

Step 5: Request full refund, no return required

Message for dispute:

I ordered [product A] but received [completely different product B].

Photo 1: Original listing showing [product A]
Photo 2: Item I received [product B]
Photo 3: Shipping label showing weight

This is clearly the wrong item. I request full refund without return.

Likely outcome: Full refund. This is one of the easiest disputes to win.

Scenario #3: Item is Poor Quality/Counterfeit

Example: “Leather” jacket is obviously plastic.

What to do:

Step 1: Take detailed photos:

• Material close-up
• Labels/tags
• Comparison with listing photos
• Any defects

Step 2: Open dispute: “Item not as described – poor quality”

Step 3: Be specific in description:

Listing states: "Genuine leather"
Received: Plastic/PU material

Listing shows: High-quality stitching
Received: Poor stitching, coming apart

Listing shows: [Brand] logo
Received: Misspelled logo [photo]

Requesting 80% refund (item is unusable as intended).

Step 4: Decide refund amount:

• Minor quality issue: 20-30% refund
• Significant issue: 50-70% refund
• Completely unusable: 100% refund

Likely outcome: Partial to full refund depending on severity.

Scenario #4: Seller Wants You to Close Dispute First

Seller says: “Close dispute, I’ll send replacement immediately!”

NEVER FALL FOR THIS.

What to do:

Step 1: Reply in dispute:

I will not close the dispute until:
1. Replacement is received and confirmed working, OR
2. Full refund is processed to my account

Please send replacement with tracking. I will close dispute once I receive and verify it.

Step 2: If seller insists, let AliExpress mediate

Why this matters: Once you close the dispute, you have ZERO recourse. Seller can (and often does) disappear.

Scenario #5: Item Arrived Damaged

What to do:

Step 1: Take photos/video of:

• Package exterior (show damage)
• Opening package (video is best)
• Damaged item
• All packaging materials

Step 2: Open dispute: “Item arrived damaged”

Step 3: Request:

• Full refund if unusable
• Partial refund if minor damage

Step 4: Upload all evidence

Pro tip: Video of unboxing is strongest evidence. Start recording BEFORE opening suspicious packages.

Likely outcome: Full or partial refund depending on damage severity.

7. Better Alternatives to AliExpress (Stop the Cycle)

If you’re tired of scams, delays, and quality issues, consider these alternatives:

Alternative #1: Amazon

Pros:

• Fast shipping (2-day Prime)
• Easy, instant refunds
• Much higher quality standards
• Excellent customer service
• A-to-Z Guarantee

Cons:

• Higher prices (20-50% more than AliExpress)
• Less variety in niche items

Best for: When reliability and speed matter more than saving $5

My take: Worth the extra cost for important purchases.

Alternative #2: eBay

Pros:

• Buyer protection (Money Back Guarantee)
• Mix of domestic and international sellers
• Often faster shipping than AliExpress
• Can buy from US/UK/EU sellers

Cons:

• Still has scam sellers (but fewer)
• Prices higher than AliExpress

Best for: Finding deals from US/domestic sellers with faster shipping

Alternative #3: Etsy (For Handmade/Unique Items)

Pros:

• Support small businesses
• Unique, handmade products
• Good buyer protection
• Usually domestic shipping (faster)

Cons:

• More expensive
• Limited inventory for mass-produced items

Best for: Gifts, custom items, supporting independent creators

Alternative #4: Direct from Manufacturers

For tech/electronics:

• Anker (charges, cables)
• Aukey (tech accessories)
• RAVPower (batteries, chargers)

Why: Often same price as AliExpress but from trusted brands with warranties.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do I have to open a dispute on AliExpress?

A: You must open a dispute BEFORE the Buyer Protection period expires (usually 60-90 days from purchase date).

Important: Don’t wait until the last day. Open disputes within 5-15 days of discovering the issue.

Q: Can I get a refund if I already left positive feedback?

A: Technically yes, but it’s harder. Positive feedback suggests you’re satisfied, weakening your case.

Never leave positive feedback until you’re 100% satisfied with the purchase.

Q: Will AliExpress ban me if I file too many disputes?

A: No. Filing legitimate disputes won’t get you banned. However, if you file frivolous disputes or abuse the system, they might restrict your account.

File disputes when justified. Don’t feel guilty.

Q: Should I accept a partial refund offer?

A: Depends on the situation:

Accept partial refund if:

• Item has minor defects but is still usable
• You don’t want to wait for full mediation
• Offer is reasonable (30-50% for minor issues)

Reject and demand full refund if:

• Item is completely wrong
• Item is dangerous or counterfeit
• Item is unusable
• Offer is insulting (5% for major defect)

Q: What if the seller asks me to pay return shipping?

A: AliExpress policy: If item is not as described or defective, seller pays return shipping.

Never pay return shipping yourself unless:

• You changed your mind (your fault)
• Item is exactly as described and working

If seller insists: Let AliExpress mediate.

Q: Can I open multiple disputes on one order?

A: No. One dispute per order. Choose your strongest case.

Example: If item didn’t arrive AND was wrong description, choose “Item not received” (stronger case).

Q: What if I forgot to open a dispute and Buyer Protection expired?

A: You’re out of luck with AliExpress.

Your only options:

• File chargeback with bank/credit card (if within chargeback period)
• Contact PayPal (if you paid through PayPal)
• Consider it a lesson learned

Set calendar reminders when you order to check delivery!

Q: Will opening a dispute hurt the seller?

A: Yes, disputes affect their rating.

But: If they scammed you, that’s their problem, not yours. Don’t feel guilty for protecting yourself.

Q: Can I cancel a dispute after opening it?

A: Yes, but only if:

• Seller hasn’t accepted yet
• You reached a private agreement with seller

Be careful: Some sellers will promise resolution if you cancel, then disappear. Only cancel once refund is in your account.

Q: What happens if I lose the dispute?

A: Options:

1. File chargeback with your bank
2. File PayPal dispute
3. Accept the loss and never buy from that seller again
4. Leave honest review warning others

Final Thoughts: Should You Still Use AliExpress?

My honest opinion after dealing with multiple scams:

AliExpress is okay for:

• Low-value items you won’t cry over if they’re wrong ($5-20)
• Items where quality doesn’t matter (decorations, craft supplies)
• When you’re okay waiting 3-6 weeks
• Experimenting before buying quality versions elsewhere

Avoid AliExpress for:

• Important purchases
• Gifts (unreliable timing)
• Safety items (chargers, locks, baby products)
• When you need it by a specific date
• High-value items (>$50)

The reality: You’ll save money, but you’ll also deal with headaches. Decide if your time is worth the savings.

Your Next Steps

If you’re currently scammed:

Today:

1. Document everything (photos, screenshots)
2. Check buyer protection deadline
3. Message seller

This Week: 4. Open dispute if seller doesn’t help 5. Upload all evidence 6. Wait for seller response

Next Week: 7. Negotiate or let AliExpress mediate 8. File chargeback if needed

If you want to avoid future scams:

1. Vet sellers more carefully
2. Read reviews with photos
3. Use PayPal when possible
4. Document everything
5. Act fast when problems arise
6. Consider shopping elsewhere for important items

Have you been scammed on AliExpress? Share your experience in the comments and let me know what worked (or didn’t work) for getting your money back!

Related Articles:

• What to Do If AliExpress Isn’t Refunding Your Money
• AliExpress Alternatives for Better Quality & Service
• How to Make Money Online Without Inventory (Affiliate Marketing Guide)

Last Updated: February 24, 2026

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