Fake Online Stores in Vietnam
Fraudulent Vietnamese e-commerce stores on Shopee, TikTok Shop, and standalone sites collecting payment via bank transfer then delivering nothing or counterfeits.
Part of: Fake Online Stores
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Fake online store fraud is one of the most common consumer complaints in Vietnam, reported to the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) and consumer protection agencies. Vietnam's rapidly growing e-commerce market — led by Shopee Vietnam, TikTok Shop, and Lazada — has been accompanied by a proliferation of fraudulent sellers.
The scam peaks around major Vietnamese shopping events: Ngày Độc Thân (Singles' Day), Tết Nguyên Đán promotions, and mid-year sales, when consumers are making high-volume purchases and may be less careful about seller verification.
How this scam works on Vietnam
A Facebook or TikTok ad promotes heavily discounted branded goods from a store that mimics established Vietnamese retailers or brand-official shops. The checkout page directs buyers to transfer via bank or VietQR rather than through the platform's escrow. After payment, nothing arrives or a counterfeit is sent.
On Shopee Vietnam and TikTok Shop, fraudulent sellers create accounts with fabricated high review scores, take orders during a brief window, then mark shipments as delivered without dispatching anything — disputing the resulting complaints before being removed from the platform.
Some operations specialize in selling counterfeit cosmetics — a high-demand category in Vietnam — under the guise of genuine Korean or European brands.
Common red flags
- Deeply discounted branded goods on a newly created seller account
- Request to pay via bank transfer rather than Shopee or TikTok Shop escrow
- Seller account created recently with suspiciously high review counts
- Product photos identical to those on official brand websites
- Seller communication only via Facebook Messenger or Zalo, not through the platform
How to protect yourself
- Pay only through the marketplace's escrow payment system, not direct bank transfer
- Check seller account creation date and review history before purchasing
- Use COD (cash on delivery) for new sellers on Vietnamese platforms where available
- Search the seller name plus 'lừa đảo' (scam) before buying
- File a platform dispute before the automatic confirmation deadline if goods do not arrive
How to report it
- Report to the Ministry of Industry and Trade's e-commerce portal at online.gov.vn
- File a complaint with the Vietnam Competition and Consumer Authority (VCCA) at vcca.gov.vn
- Report fraudulent sellers directly through Shopee or TikTok Shop's complaint systems
Frequently asked questions
What is online.gov.vn and how does it help Vietnamese e-commerce buyers?
Online.gov.vn is Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade portal for reporting illegal e-commerce activity, including fraud and counterfeit goods. Registered e-commerce platforms are also displayed here — you can verify whether a shopping site is officially registered before buying.