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 more manageable.

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 often come across highly rated items with a series of positive comments posted on the same day or just hours apart.

But when scrolling further down, 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 immediate feedback. 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 all of them to distinguish between genuine compliments and sophisticated “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 suspicious when an item that costs millions of dong is being sold for only 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 bad, but if you're looking for something that's durable or long-lasting, 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 descriptions. 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 fake 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, heavily editing to hide product defects, or deliberately inflating the original price to create the feeling that you are getting a great deal.

For inexpensive items or those that don’t require durability, this may not be a big deal. But if you’re making a serious investment in a product, whether it’s electronics, cosmetics, or tech accessories, it’s crucial to double-check seller information, real-world customer reviews, and how well the photos match the description. In an increasingly sophisticated online shopping environment, even a little bit of complacency 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 your gullibility.

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 appealing because of its lively videos, deep discount codes, and convenience. Many users have actually found good products at great prices. However, alongside genuine products and reputable sellers, there are also 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 to shop safely, always be vigilant, double-check seller information, check reviews from real users, and stay away from “secret” deals that spread without verification. In the age of e-commerce, a little bit of reasonable doubt can save you a lot of trouble.