The Hidden Dangers of TikTok Shop: What You Need to Know Before Shopping

TikTok Shop isn't the only e-commerce platform dealing with counterfeits and scams, but knowing the warning signs can make shopping there a lot safer and easier to manage.

1. Beware of fake reviews

Fake reviews have long been a common problem on e-commerce platforms like Amazon, TikTok Shop and many others. While searching for products, shoppers come across highly rated items with a series of positive comments posted on the same day or just a few hours apart.

But when scrolling down further, buyers will see completely opposite reviews like complaints about quality, slow delivery, or products not as described, these are reviews from real buyers.

Of course, it is still possible that some satisfied users left feedback immediately. However, when dozens of comments have the same, even identical, wording, it is completely reasonable to be suspicious.

This trick helps dishonest sellers push negative feedback down, blinding hasty buyers. So if you are planning to buy something on TikTok Shop, don’t just skim the first few reviews, but look at them all to distinguish between genuine compliments and clever “cover-ups”.

2. “Too good to be true” deals

TikTok Shop is filled with seemingly irresistible deals, such as products discounted up to 70%, clearance items at incredibly low prices, and additional discount codes when you reach a minimum spend. For those who love to hunt for deals, it can be heaven. However, when prices drop unusually low, it is not always good news.

Be skeptical when an item that costs millions of dong is being sold for just a few hundred thousand dong. There is a high chance that you will receive a poor quality version, or even a fake.

Of course, cheap doesn't always mean poor quality, but if you're looking for something that will last or last, don't settle for something that's too good to be true.

Before you click buy, take the time to carefully read the reviews, real photos, and product description. If the reviews are overwhelmingly negative, or the description doesn’t match the photos, these are clear signs that you should skip it. In the world of online shopping, caution is always the best investment.

3. Be careful of counterfeit goods and price gouging tricks.

One of the biggest risks when shopping on online platforms like TikTok Shop is the risk of buying counterfeit or fake goods. Many sellers deceive buyers by using stolen images, over-editing to hide product defects, or deliberately inflating the original price to create the feeling that you are getting a great deal.

For cheap items or those that don’t require durability, this may not be as important. But if you’re planning to invest in a serious product, whether it’s electronics, cosmetics, or tech accessories, it’s crucial to double-check the seller’s information, real-world customer reviews, and how well the photos match the description. In an increasingly sophisticated online shopping environment, even a slight oversight can cost you dearly.

4. Fraud through fake discount codes

There are countless forms of online scams today, and unfortunately even a thriving platform like TikTok Shop is not exempt from this vortex.

According to a warning from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), an organization that specializes in assessing the reliability and reputation of businesses, a common trick is to impersonate former company employees to post videos on TikTok, showing "frustration" and being ready to "reveal" internal discount codes in "retaliation".

The included links often lead to websites that appear legitimate. But when you visit and add the “free” items to your cart, the shipping costs suddenly skyrocket, which is exactly how scammers make money off of gullible users.

At first glance, this still seems like a good deal, since you’re not paying for the product. But the reality is, what you get, if any, is often very different from the advertised image, or worse, you don’t get it at all.

More importantly, your personal and payment information is being collected, and there is often no way to complain or trace the scammers. While these scams don’t happen directly on TikTok Shop, the proliferation of ads on the TikTok platform itself makes users more vulnerable than ever.

TikTok Shop can be very appealing with its lively videos, deep discount codes and convenience. Many users have found good products at great prices. However, alongside genuine products and reputable sellers, there are still a number of scammers who take advantage of the platform to trick buyers with fake goods or carefully “directed” reviews.

That doesn’t mean you should boycott TikTok Shop. But if you want a safe shopping experience, always be vigilant, double-check seller information, real user reviews, and stay away from “secret” deals that spread without verification. In the age of e-commerce, a little reasonable doubt can save you a lot of trouble.