Online shopping through international platforms like Shein has encouraged thousands of people to buy fashion and accessories from the comfort of their homes. However, alongside the rise of these websites, warnings about new types of scams affecting both experienced users and those making their first purchases are becoming increasingly common.
In recent months, dozens of consumers have reported attempted fraud involving purported Shein shipments . Text messages, emails, and even WhatsApp calls impersonating official courier companies like Correo Argentino (the Argentine postal service) have generated concern and confusion, especially in countries where the store has become a favorite.
How Shein scams work
One of the most common scams begins when the user receives a text message claiming to be from the national parcel service . The text usually reports a failed delivery attempt and asks the recipient to make a payment via a link included in the message to release the package.
Clicking on the link redirects you to a website that mimics the official Shein and email design. There, the user is invited to complete a survey and provide personal and banking information, with the promise of unlocking the package or receiving a "mystery box" gift.
The real objective is to steal confidential information and sometimes enroll the victim in unwanted subscription services, where periodic charges are made without the person initially noticing.
Testimonies and scope of the problem
Journalist Daniela Chueke recounted on social media how she almost fell victim to this type of fraud . She received a text message notifying her of two failed delivery attempts and that she needed to pay by card to complete the third. Before proceeding, she decided to contact the courier company directly, who confirmed that the message was completely fake and was a phishing attempt.
This situation has been replicated among many other users, who share similar or identical experiences on social media. Cybercrime experts say that, although formal legal complaints are not always filed, these practices are spreading rapidly, taking advantage of a lack of understanding about how international shipping and order tracking work.
Reaction of the companies involved and authorities
In response to a surge in fraudulent messages, parcel delivery companies and platforms like Shein have reinforced their security recommendations . Correo Argentino, for example, reminds users that it never requests payments or confidential personal information via SMS, links, or social media messages. All official transactions should be conducted solely through the companies' verified websites and channels.
Shein, for its part, warns its users about the importance of paying attention to URLs and being wary of any message that doesn't come directly from the app or official website. Furthermore, the company typically announces legitimate promotional campaigns exclusively through its own channels , without external intermediaries.
Scam or just frustration with Shein's games and promotions?
Not everything that seems like a trap necessarily is: some of the most common criticisms revolve around the games, roulette wheels, and minigames that Shein itself launches to encourage its customers to share links and invite friends to the platform. Although the mechanics can be frustrating, and some users consider them a scam, technically there is no fraud as such as a request for payments outside the system.
In these cases, the worst thing that can happen is wasting time or feeling that the system is unfair, since many advertised prizes are almost impossible to obtain and require the participation of other users, which leads to unsuccessful code sharing and a feeling of being cheated.
Tips to avoid falling for Shein-related scams
- Never provide your bank or personal details. from links that arrive via SMS, WhatsApp, email or social networks, even if they appear official.
- Always check the sender from any communication regarding your shipments. If you have any questions, please log in to your Shein account or contact us through official channels.
- Do not make payments outside the official platform under no circumstance.
- Do not share your codes or links on unofficial websites or forums., as scams impersonating Shein to obtain personal information are being detected.
- Keep your software and apps updated and, if possible, enable two-step authentication on the platforms where you regularly shop.
What to do if you have received a suspicious message?
If you receive a text message, email, or notification asking for payment or information to release a Shein order, do not click on any links or provide any data . Always contact the official company through their website or the phone number listed on official channels. Companies never process additional payments or request banking information via instant messaging or social media.
To protect yourself against fraudulent practices, remember to always communicate through official channels of the brand and avoid responding to unverifiable messages. Participate in promotions or games only through official platforms and always verify the URL before entering personal or banking information. Prevention is key to avoiding falling victim to increasingly sophisticated online scams.
