What is AliExpress?
AliExpress is a global online marketplace launched in 2010 as part of Alibaba Group, one of the largest e-commerce companies. Unlike traditional retailers, it connects buyers with independent sellers offering a wide range of products, from electronics and fashion to home décor and industrial parts.
As an open platform, the quality of products and services can vary depending on the seller. While it offerswide variety and competitive prices, it’s important to research sellers and be aware of potential risks.
Spotting and avoiding scams on AliExpress
Scams on AliExpress aren’t always obvious. In fact, some of the most misleading listings are cleverly disguised with professional photos or AI-generated pictures, fake reviews, and tempting prices. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned deal hunter, it pays to recognize the warning signs.
Here are some of the most common red flags that can signal a problematic seller or a potentially disappointing purchase:
Warning signs to watch out for
- Too-good-to-be-true pricing - if an item is priced far below its usual market value, it could be a counterfeit, a poor-quality knockoff, or might not be delivered at all.
- Low ratings or negative feedback - a history of unhappy customers, unresolved complaints, or poor reviews is a clear sign to steer clear. When a shop has nothing but five-star reviews and comments that provide little detail, like “it’s great!”, that should alert you as well. It is likely that these reviews are bot generated.
- Vague or incomplete product listings - products with limited descriptions, low-resolution images, or no customer reviews at all often indicate a lack of transparency or worse, a scam in disguise.
While the majority of transactions on AliExpress go smoothly, some scam tactics reoccur and should be on your radar. Knowing what to expect can help you shop more safely. Let’s have a look at some common scam tactics on AliExpress.
- Orders that never arrive - in some cases, sellers may mark items as shipped without ever sending them. These non-delivery scams can leave you waiting weeks for something that was never dispatched.
- Imitation products sold as authentic - counterfeits are a common issue, some listings intentionally mislead buyers by presenting cheap replicas as high-end or branded goods.
- Brushing scams - a brushing scam is a deceptive tactic used by dishonest online sellers to artificially boost store ratings. Here’s how it works: packages you didn’t order show up at your doorstep usually containing low-value or odd items. The sender then uses your name and address to create fake orders and leave glowing reviews for their own products, making their listings appear more trustworthy to other shoppers.
- At first, getting free stuff might seem harmless. But in reality, it signals a serious breach of privacy. Your personal information like your name and shipping address was accessed without your consent, possibly through data leaks or public sources. And if scammers have more than just your address, they could potentially commit identity theft or resell your data on underground markets.
- Malware infused devices - not all risks on AliExpress involve fake products — some involve hidden threats. In 2023, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) reported that Android TV set-top boxes sold on platforms including AliExpress were found to be pre-loaded (infected) with malware straight from the factory. These compromised devices connected to the internet and immediately communicated with botnet command servers, enabling click fraud (generating fake clicks on ads or websites) and even turning buyers’ home networks into proxies for cybercriminals.
- Phishing attempts posing as AliExpress - just like on other major online platforms, scammers sometimes pose as AliExpress staff members via fake emails or messages made to look official. These often ask you to “verify” your account, re-enter payment info, or click on suspicious links. If you receive a message claiming urgent action is needed, don’t click anything. Instead, access your account only through the official app or website. AliExpress will never ask for your password, credit card details, or personal info via email or SMS.
Stay safe while you shop
Worried about scams, fake sites, or stolen data? ESET HOME Security Ultimate helps protect your online purchases with:
Safe Banking & Browsing
Anti-Phishing
Identity Protection
Secure VPN for public Wi-Fi
For your mobile shopping, consider installing the ESET VPN and ESET Mobile Security for Android apps. Both are included in the ESET HOME Security Ultimate subscription, helping you stay protected wherever you go.
Built-in safety measures and buyer protection on AliExpress
Besides the safety measures you should take yourself, even the platform offers some built-in security features. Find out what those are so you can take advantage of them as well:
Protection program
AliExpress itself offers a built-in Buyer Protection program that allows for refunds or returns under certain conditions if issues arise with a purchase. ,If something goes wrong, e.g. your item doesn’t show up, arrives damaged, or isn’t as described, you may be entitled to a refund within a specific timeframe. AliExpress may also step in if the seller breaks promises around warranties, shipping methods, or delivery services or if they behave inappropriately towards you, e.g. through abusive communication or misleading information.
If there’s a problem with your purchase, you have 15 days after confirming receipt of your order to report any issues and request a refund or return. All items with the “buyer protection” label are covered by the program with just a few exceptions. Those are:
- Items damaged by the buyer
- Customized or personalized goods
- Perishables (like food or flowers)
- Products that can’t be returned for hygiene or health reasons
So, how can you request a refund?
- Contact the seller first and try to resolve the issue directly. Provide photos or evidence if needed
- If agreement cannot be reached, submit a refund or return request via your Orders page
- Choose the reason, upload any proof you have, and track the status of your claim under your account
If the issue is caused by the seller, such as receiving a defective, incorrect, or misrepresented item, they’re responsible for covering the return shipping costs, and you should get your refund within 1–10 business days.
Alternatively, you can choose a faster refund to your AliExpress Bonus account, but keep in mind that this credit can only be used for future purchases on the platform.
If you change your mind and want to return an item for personal reasons, you’ll need to pay the return shipping yourself.
However, according to customer reviews published on the Trustpilot website, issues with the process are not uncommon.
Payment safety on AliExpress
Concerns may arise not only regarding the goods but also about the safety of your financial information. Payments on AliExpress are processed through secure, encrypted checkout systems, which help protect your financial data during transactions. Accepted payment methods include credit cards, PayPal, and other secure gateways, and sensitive data is encrypted to maintain privacy.
Never send money directly to a seller outside the platform – doing so voids Buyer Protections and exposes you to unnecessary risk. Always complete purchases through AliExpress’s official checkout process.
Safety checklist
You’ve finally found the perfect item, added it to your cart, and you’re ready to hit that purchase button. But before you check out, take a moment to go through this quick checklist we’ve prepared – just to make sure you’ve covered all the potential risks.
Vet the seller
- Choose sellers with 90%+ ratings and strong reviews
- Don’t pick sellers with only a few 5-star reviews
- Look for legitimate customer photos and detailed feedback
Ask before you buy
- Message sellers to confirm shipping times, product details, or return policies
- Trust sellers who reply clearly and promptly
Pay smart
- Use AliExpress’s checkout and never send money off-platform
- Prefer credit cards for added fraud protection
- Use extra safety features such as ESET HOME Security Ultimate featuring Safe banking and Unlimited VPN
What are some non-digital concerns regarding AliExpress?
Imitation or counterfeit goods
The first concern involves the authenticity of branded products. While some sellers may offer genuine items, others list replicas or knockoffs that appear authentic in photos but fall short in reality. There are buyers who knowingly opt for cheaper alternatives, but others end up disappointed receiving goods that look nothing like what they expected.
If you’re a fan of brands like Nike or Apple, or shopping for copyrighted merchandise such as Disney or Marvel products, it’s generally safer to buy from official retailers or directly from the brand to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Inconsistent product quality
AliExpress hosts millions of sellers, each with their own manufacturing standards. As a result, two similar-looking products can vary widely in terms of materials, durability, or overall finish – no matter how polished the product listing may seem.
To avoid disappointment, read customer reviews carefully. Many buyers share honest feedback, and some even upload photos – for example, of clothing items – to show how closely the product matches the images in the listing.
Unpredictable shipping times
One of the most frequent complaints about AliExpress is its long delivery times, especially when using the free or economy shipping options. It’s not unusual for orders to take several weeks – or even over a month – to arrive, particularly if they’re held up at customs.
If you need your items by a specific date (for example, as a gift), it’s best to plan ahead, or consider buying from local marketplaces where delivery is faster and more predictable.
Language barriers and unclear communication
Many sellers use translation tools to write product descriptions or reply to customer inquiries. As a result, listings can sometimes be unclear, with vague specifications or confusing communication, especially during disputes or detailed questions.
While this can be a hurdle, don’t hesitate to reach out to the seller if you have important questions or concerns. Clear communication, even if imperfect, can still help you make a more informed decision.
Complicated refunds and returns
Returning a product to China is often impractical and expensive, and while AliExpress offers buyer protection, the refund process can be slow and may require photo evidence, dispute negotiation, or waiting through resolution periods.
Sizing and measurements vary
For clothing, shoes, and accessories, size charts may not follow Western standards. Many users report receiving items that run smaller than expected, making it crucial to again check reviews or sizing guides before ordering.
Why are products on AliExpress so cheap?
AliExpress has built a reputation for ultra-low prices. You might be asking yourself: how can goods on this platform be so inexpensive? The answer lies in a mix of cost-saving strategies and trade-offs that most buyers knowingly accept. Let’s explore the greatest contributing factors to those low prices.
Minimal branding and marketing
Many products on AliExpress are generic or unbranded, meaning sellers skip the usual costs of branding, advertising, and premium packaging. Instead of building brand recognition, the focus is simply on volume and price.
No middlemen
AliExpress enables direct-to-consumer transactions, so manufacturers can sell straight to global shoppers without distributors or retail partners. That means fewer markups and tighter control over pricing.
Low production costs
Because most sellers are based in China, where labor, materials, and operational expenses are comparatively low, they’re able to manufacture goods more affordably than competitors in other parts of the world.
High-volume manufacturing
Many products are mass-produced in enormous quantities, which brings down per-unit costs. These economies of scale allow sellers to price items more competitively even when selling them one at a time.
Slow but cheap delivery
To keep final prices down, many sellers rely on low-cost international shipping, even though it takes several weeks. Buyers effectively trade speed for savings, especially when choosing economy or untracked shipping options.
Dropshipping efficiency
AliExpress supports the dropshipping model, where sellers don’t hold inventory, and only move to order and ship items via a wholesaler or manufacturer once they’re purchased by the buyer. This reduces warehousing and handling costs, helping to keep prices low.
Flexible quality standards
Not every product on AliExpress is built to last. In many cases, items are priced low because quality expectations are low. Consumers are often looking for a product that is simply good enough rather than seeking premium quality.
All these factors combined allow the platform to offer goods for such low prices.
Expert tips
“As a global online marketplace, AliExpress inevitably attracts the attention of cybercriminals of all kinds – just like any other major e-commerce brand. While scammers and fraudsters on the platform often target victims by luring them with too-good-to-be-true offers or through other manipulative tactics, attackers off platform create convincing imitations of the site designed for phishing, displaying ads, redirecting users to dangerous domains, or carrying out other malicious activities. According to our telemetry, AliExpress is among top targets for homoglyph attacks, where visually similar domain names – often differing by a single character – are used to trick users into visiting fraudulent or dangerous websites.
Description: An example of a homoglyph letter swap as read by humans vs computers
In the online world, trust is a rare commodity, and this is especially true for open platforms like AliExpress, where buyers and sellers interact directly with each other and which are known for their low prices and variable quality of goods on offer. To stay safe, online shoppers should thus rely on robust security solutions that can detect and block malicious URLs, pay close attention to comments by other users and seller reputations, and always be wary of deals that appear too good to be true.”
- Ondrej Kubovič, Security Awareness Specialist
Conclusion
It all comes back to the question we started with: Is AliExpress safe to buy from? The answer is – in most cases yes. AliExpress is a legitimate global marketplace that offers products from independent sellers. However, the quality and experience may vary depending on the seller – so as with any open platform, your experience largely depends on the seller you choose.
The site itself is secure and offers solid buyer protection tools, but it's up to you to shop smart: research the seller carefully, use secure payment methods, and understand your rights so you can take full advantage of the platform’s Buyer Protection if something goes wrong.
With a bit of caution and common sense, AliExpress can be a great place to score amazing deals. Happy shopping and remember to always click with care!
Frequently asked questions
Can I trust AliExpress with my credit card information?
Yes. AliExpress uses secure payment gateways and encryption to protect your credit card details. Still, always check you’re on the official AliExpress checkout page and avoid sharing card details directly with sellers.
Why shouldn’t I order certain products from AliExpress?
Items that typically require high-quality assurance, warranty, or specific certifications (such as electronics, medical products, branded luxury items, or safety equipment) may pose greater risks if purchased on AliExpress due to potential counterfeits or quality issues.
Are product reviews on AliExpress reliable?
Most reviews are genuine, but some sellers manipulate feedback with AI generated bots making matters worse. Look for detailed, photo-backed reviews rather than generic or overly positive ones. Trust in reviews that highlight both the pros and the cons of products.
What should I do if I receive a counterfeit or unsatisfactory product?
Immediately open a claim/dispute with AliExpress Buyer Protection. Provide clear evidence (photos, description discrepancies) to support your claim, and AliExpress will mediate for refunds or replacements.
Are AliExpress products really from China?
Primarily, yes. While most products are shipped from China, AliExpress also hosts sellers globally. Product listings specify shipping locations clearly.
