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Is AliExpress safe? Tips for secure online shopping
Shopping on AliExpress presents an interesting mix of opportunities and challenges. Since starting in 2010, AliExpress has become the world’s second-largest online marketplace, just after Amazon. Customers like bargain prices AliExpress offers for products directly from manufacturers but worry about security.
How AliExpress keeps its marketplace secure is its main way of doing business. To keep buyers secure, AliExpress gives them these three key features: 75-day purchase protection, cash sent through a safe system, and money back when their order arrives broken or doesn’t match what they ordered. Keep your guard up when shopping on AliExpress because you’ll find fake items, wrong listings, and scam attempts.
We’ll show you how AliExpress keeps you safe while shopping and offer simple advice for making better buying choices. You’ll find out which sellers are trustworthy, how to keep your purchases safe, and what the platform does to protect you. Find out how a VPN keeps you safer while shopping online by encrypting your connection and making your browsing more secure.
Is AliExpress safe to buy from?
AliExpress runs its main activities using security features. The site uses SSL encryption to guard user data - a level of security you can find in leading banks.
AliExpress’s security measures
Seller verification is what keeps AliExpress (and buyers) secure throughout their transactions. Businesses must go through complete background checks to receive permission to sell on AliExpress. AliExpress handles and safeguards all financial information to protect sellers and buyers from possible fraud during purchases.
Buyer protection program
Every purchase you make includes strong safeguards to protect your purchase. The 75-day protection period shields buyers from common shopping risks. You can claim refunds for:
- Missing packages or delayed shipments
- When products don’t match what was promised in the listings
- Products arriving with damage or defects
Fixing disagreements between buyers and sellers happens in a specific way. AliExpress helps consumers and sellers work out their disagreements within the first 15 days. They step in to help get the deal back on track.
![AliExpress security AliExpress security](/blog/is-aliexpress-safe/aliexpress-security.jpg)
Payment processing safeguards
AliExpress keeps your money safe during payment because they work with AliPay’s escrow service. The system keeps your money safe until you check that your order matches what you wanted. Sellers can only get paid when buyers confirm and approve everything went well with their order delivery.
Payment options focus on security. AliExpress accepts trusted methods like credit cards alongside their AliPay system. Similar to PayPal, AliPay adds extra protection by masking your actual payment information from sellers.
Tips to avoid AliExpress scams
Using smart shopping skills helps prevent you from getting scammed when shopping on AliExpress. Taking these steps keeps your money and personal data safe during your online shopping.
Use a secure payment method
Pay through AliExpress’s official payment gateway or use trustworthy services such as PayPal. Don’t pay through direct bank transfers or Western Union; go with payment methods that come with buyer protection. Until you confirm receiving your purchase, the platform will securely store your money for you.
Check seller profile
Trusted sellers must have at least 95% positive customer feedback and use the platform for at least a year. Set your standards high for accurate products, helpful customer service, and prompt and reliable shipping. Only shop with sellers who get at least 4.6 out of 5 stars for these areas.
![Check seller Check seller](/blog/is-aliexpress-safe/check-seller-profile.jpg)
Read a product description carefully
Read every detail about the product before deciding to buy. Look for these things:
- Always check the exact materials and measurements
- Color choices and product options
- Shipping details and timelines
- Check returns and refund policies
Avoid prices that are too good to be true
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative continues to rank AliExpress as one of the main sources of copied goods for American buyers. Stay alert to suspicious deals, especially branded items with unusually low prices. People usually fall for such scams because they always want to buy luxury branded items at lower prices, and scammers can take advantage of this.
Secure your AliExpress account
To keep your account safe, use strong passwords and activate the two-step verification feature. Also, avoid public WiFi networks during purchases to protect your data against hackers, as they have security loopholes that hackers can exploit to steal your personal information and misuse it.
Check shipping time
Depending on your delivery option, your order may be delivered in 3 to 60 days. Choose sellers who provide clear tracking details and realistic delivery estimates. Standard shipping usually takes 15-45 days, while faster options arrive within 7-20 days.
![Scam alert Scam alert](/blog/is-aliexpress-safe/scam-alert.jpg)
Use a VPN for extra security
A VPN shields your financial data and login details through encryption. This security barrier prevents unauthorized access and guards against cyber threats during your shopping sessions.
How to verify legitimate sellers
The smart seller verification system keeps your shopping on AliExpress safe. Buyers should choose sellers who’ve used AliExpress for at least a year to show they can be trusted. Feedback from customers reveals important details about how well vendors do their job. The ratings of good sellers fall within the range of 89% to 99% from buyers who purchased from them. Online shoppers can trust sellers with more than 96% positive feedback from at least 1,000 customers.
Quality sellers excel in several areas:
- Fast shipping and accurate delivery estimates
- Clear, detailed product information
- Quick responses to questions
- Simple return policies
- Multiple shipping choices
Any seller who communicates well is likely to be trusted. When asked questions, real sellers respond quickly with straightforward answers about their products. When you look at their listings, they clearly describe what they sell, how big the items are, and what each product can do.
AliExpress puts its stamp of approval on reputable sellers by giving them “Top Brand” badges. More tests and checks are done when a seller gets one of these badges. Trusted sellers who charge more are worth it because you know you can trust them to deliver the product as promised. Carefully check the purchase terms listed. When you buy from honest sellers, they give you plenty of time to request refunds and make returns hassle-free. These verification steps make it easier for you to find good sellers and stay away from risky ones on AliExpress.
Conclusion
You must pay attention to security processes when shopping online on AliExpress. The platform uses multiple security features, like protecting buyers, processing safe payments, and checking sellers to help you buy things safely.
Smart ways to shop will make sure you get what you need from AliExpress. Follow these simple rules - look at how long a seller has been on AliExpress, read product descriptions clearly, and stay alert to prices that seem too good to be true - to protect yourself from typical online shopping mistakes. AliExpress protects your money by processing payments through a secure system that holds funds until you confirm receiving your order.
Those who know how to shop well mix the protection services offered by the website with their own good judgment. Following these safety measures lets you get great prices from AliExpress without worrying about your security. EonVPN protects your online shopping data from start to finish while you shop on AliExpress.
FAQs
How can I protect myself from scams on AliExpress?
To avoid scams, always consider how buyers rate sellers, read customer feedback, choose safe payment options, check details closely, and watch out for suspiciously cheap deals. Also, turn on two-step verification in your account settings and consider connecting to a VPN when you’re online.
What should I do if I receive a damaged or incorrect item?
If you received a damaged product, you can start a protection dispute directly from your AliExpress customer account. Take pictures or videos showing the problem, and include solid proof when you ask for help with your claim.
Note: Do make videos while unpacking the product for proof.
How long does shipping typically take on AliExpress?
Shipping on AliExpress varies greatly from 15 to 60 days, depending on how you want it shipped and where you live. Using normal delivery takes 15 to 45 days, but faster options can get your order to you in 7 to 20 days. Check how long your order is expected to take before you place your order.