How to Avoid Getting Scammed on Shopee and Lazada: A Shopper’s Guide

Shopee and Lazada are two of the most popular e-commerce platforms here in the Philippines, offering a staggering range of products from beauty and fashion to gadgets and home essentials. While these platforms provide convenience and access to some pretty good deals, they also have their fair share of risks—especially when it comes to scams. If you’re not careful, you could end up with fakes, missing orders, theft, or, worse, falling victim to a phishing scam.

Don’t worry, though! With a little vigilance and some know-how, you can protect yourself from getting scammed while still enjoying the benefits of online shopping. Here’s a thorough guide!

1. Buy from Verified Sellers

One of the easiest ways to avoid scams is to stick with verified sellers. Both Shopee and Lazada have a system for verifying sellers who are legitimate businesses, often labeled with tags like "Shopee Mall" or "LazMall" for official stores. These tags indicate that the seller has undergone additional screening and that their products are more likely to be authentic.

For smaller or individual sellers, look for badges like "Preferred Seller" or "Top Seller", which are awarded based on their reliability, customer feedback, and fulfillment history.

2. Check the Seller’s Rating and Reviews

Before buying anything, always check the seller’s ratings and reviews. Customer feedback is a great indicator of whether a seller is trustworthy. Look for sellers with high ratings (typically above 4.5 stars) and take time to read the reviews from other buyers. Pay special attention to reviews that include pictures or videos of the product, as these offer more credibility.

If you notice a seller with a high rating but no substantial reviews, be cautious. Sometimes fake sellers manipulate ratings, so it’s always a good idea to dig deeper into customer feedback.

3. Watch Out for Prices That Are Too Good to Be True

If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often lure buyers with unbelievably low prices, especially on high-demand items like gadgets, designer items, or popular beauty products. While everyone loves a good deal, be wary of prices that are significantly lower than the average.

For example, if a Dior perfume is being sold for half the market price, it’s likely a scam or a counterfeit product. Always compare prices with other sellers and trusted stores before making a purchase.

4. Avoid Sellers with No History

Sellers with little to no sales history or reviews should raise red flags. Scammers often create new accounts to sell fake or non-existent products, and once they’ve made a few sales, they disappear, leaving buyers with nothing.

If you come across a new seller offering something at a suspiciously low price, it’s better to avoid it, especially if you can’t find any customer reviews or ratings. Stick with sellers who have established a reliable reputation on the platform.

5. Inspect Product Descriptions Carefully

Always take time to read the product descriptions carefully. Some scammers might try to mislead you by including vague or incomplete descriptions. For instance, a listing might feature images of a popular brand’s product, but the description reveals that it’s a replica or knockoff.

Look for clear and detailed descriptions that include the product’s specifications, ingredients (for beauty products), warranty information (for gadgets), and any other relevant details. If the description seems too brief or doesn’t match the images, consider it a red flag.

6. Use the Platform’s Built-in Payment System

Both Shopee and Lazada have secure payment systems that hold your money in escrow until you confirm the product has been received in good condition. Always use the platform’s built-in payment system (like ShopeePay or Lazada Wallet) rather than paying directly to a seller’s bank account or via third-party apps. Scammers often try to convince buyers to pay off-platform, so avoid this at all costs.

Using the platform’s payment system ensures that you’re protected by their buyer protection policies, which allows you to get a refund if you don’t receive your product or if it’s not as described.

7. Beware of Phishing Scams

Phishing scams are common on online platforms, where scammers attempt to steal your personal or financial information by sending you fake links or emails. Be wary of any suspicious messages you receive, especially those asking for your password, payment details, or other sensitive information.

If you receive a message claiming to be from Shopee or Lazada asking you to log in to verify an order, always double-check the link’s URL. Scammers often create websites that look identical to the real ones, so make sure the URL is correct before entering any information. It’s safer to go directly to the app or website to check for any issues with your account.

8. Look for Official Warranty on Electronics

When buying electronics, always check if the product comes with an official warranty. Many reputable sellers will list the warranty details in the product description. If a seller is offering a high-ticket item like a smartphone or laptop without any mention of a warranty, it’s a major red flag.

Counterfeit electronics often don’t come with warranties, and even if the product works initially, you may be left without any recourse if it breaks down later. Stick with verified sellers or those with clear return and warranty policies.

9. Track Your Package

Always use the platform’s order tracking system to monitor your package after purchase. Shopee and Lazada offer in-app tracking features that allow you to see the status of your order. If the tracking details aren’t updating or the seller is stalling in providing shipping information, it could be a sign that something’s wrong.

In cases where the seller doesn’t ship the item within the promised timeframe, you can request a refund through the platform’s resolution center. Always stay vigilant, and don’t be afraid to escalate issues if your order doesn’t arrive as expected.

10. Take Advantage of Buyer Protection Policies

Both Shopee and Lazada have buyer protection policies designed to safeguard customers. If you receive a product that’s not as described, is damaged, or doesn’t arrive at all, you can file for a refund. This process typically requires you to submit evidence, such as photos of the product or proof that the item didn’t arrive.

Make sure to initiate a return or refund request within the specified time frame, and follow the platform’s instructions carefully. Buyer protection policies are there to help you, so don’t hesitate to use them if you feel you’ve been scammed.

Shopping on Shopee and Lazada can be a fun and convenient way to find great deals, but it’s important to be cautious. Scammers are always looking for new ways to trick buyers, but by following these tips—like checking reviews, sticking with verified sellers, and using the platform’s secure payment systems—you can shop confidently without falling victim to scams.

Always trust your instincts. If something feels off about a deal or a seller, it’s better to pass and find a more trustworthy option. After all, protecting your money and your peace of mind is worth more than any quick bargain!