marketplace Scam
Dropshipped Quality Switch Scam
Some shops advertise brand-name goods but ship random factory surplus once they capture payment. WebVetted looks at fulfillment partners, review bursts, and refund ratios to determine if a shop is swapping SKUs.
Red flags
- Videos use manufacturer promo footage rather than original demos.
- Listing quietly states “item may vary” or “fulfilled by partner warehouse.”
- Return instructions require international postage on the buyer’s dime.
How to Respond
- Enter the seller into the Marketplace Checker to review historical complaints.
- Request unedited photos or livestream demos before buying.
- Record unboxing videos so you can prove a mismatch when filing disputes.
📌 Case study
A viral beauty gadget shop we studied promised Dyson hair tools but delivered off-brand dryers with foreign plugs. Another seller swapped promised sneakers with clearance flip-flops, citing “supplier upgrades.”
Related tools
marketplace Scam
TikTok Shop Fake Brand Storefront
Fake shops borrow official brand names, then redirect to off-platform checkout links. WebVetted inspects registration docs, payout partners, and customer complaints to show whether the storefront is legitimate.
Red flags
- Shop has no business registration info or U.S. agent address.
- Bio links to WhatsApp or external sites for “VIP pricing.”
- Reviews mention different packaging or logos than advertised.
How to Respond
- Run the shop via the Marketplace Checker to surface authenticity indicators.
- Contact the real brand’s customer service to verify authorized sellers.
- Avoid paying via direct bank transfers or crypto links provided in DMs.
📌 Case study
One store pretended to be The Ordinary cosmetics but shipped unlabeled bottles from Guangzhou. Another copied Nike campaign footage yet directed buyers to a Google Form for checkout.
Related tools
Need evidence for a bank or police report?
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