DHgate Scam UK: How to Spot Fake Reviews and Counterfeit Goods

DHgate itself isn't a scam, but scammers use it to trick UK buyers into paying for fake goods or items that never arrive.

Published 2026-05-10 · Beat the Scam Editorial Team · 7 min read

What is this scam?

DHgate is a legitimate wholesale and retail marketplace based in China, but scammers abuse the platform to defraud UK buyers in several ways. The most common scam involves sellers posting fake five-star reviews to sell counterfeit goods—designer handbags, electronics, clothing, and luxury items with forged authenticity certificates. Other variations include sellers accepting payment and then shipping items completely different from what was advertised, or simply not shipping anything at all. Some scammers use stolen payment card details to open new accounts, build false credibility through fake reviews, then close the account and vanish. The platform's buyer protection can be weak, especially for UK customers unfamiliar with how DHgate disputes work. Victims often lose £50 to £500 per transaction, with little recourse once the seller disappears or disputes are ruled against them.

Warning signs to look for

• The product price is dramatically lower than on official UK retailers—often 70-90% cheaper than market value, which is a strong indicator of counterfeits.
• The seller's account is brand new (created within weeks), has very few authentic transactions, or suddenly appears with hundreds of five-star reviews in a short timeframe.
• The product images look low-quality, poorly lit, or copied directly from official brand websites—genuine sellers typically photograph real stock.
• The seller's response to messages is evasive, uses broken English, or avoids answering specific questions about authenticity, materials, or origin.
• The listing description contains spelling errors, vague language like "similar to" or "inspired by," or explicitly states "not authentic" buried in small text.
• Tracking information disappears after dispatch, or the item arrives in a plain package with no branding or official packaging.
• The seller refuses to use DHgate's official payment and dispute system, asking you to pay via Western Union, cryptocurrency, or bank transfer instead.

How this scam works step by step

The scam typically begins when you search for a popular branded item on DHgate—say, a designer handbag or Apple AirPods. A new seller offers the item at 70% below retail price with hundreds of glowing reviews. You click on the product, and the photos look professional. The seller responds quickly to your messages, reassuring you the item is genuine and will arrive within 10 days. You pay via DHgate's platform using your debit or credit card, feeling protected by buyer guarantees. The seller ships a package with tracking information. However, when it arrives 2-4 weeks later, the item inside is either a cheap counterfeit, completely different from what was pictured, or missing key components. When you open a dispute, the seller provides proof of shipment and claims you received the item as described. DHgate's dispute team, unfamiliar with the specific product, rules in the seller's favour. By the time you realize you've been scammed, the seller has already closed their account or opened a new one under a different name.

How to verify if it is genuine

Before buying, check the seller's history carefully: click on their profile and read reviews from UK buyers specifically, looking for comments mentioning authenticity or quality issues. Genuine DHgate sellers usually have a long history (1+ years), a blue verification badge, and mixed reviews including some critical feedback. Search the product on Google Images and compare the photos to official brand websites—if the images are identical, they're likely stolen. Contact the seller with specific questions: ask for serial number verification, manufacturing date details, or photos of security features. Ask them to verify the item against the official brand's authenticity guide. For high-value items (over £100), cross-check the seller's price against other DHgate sellers—if one is dramatically cheaper, be suspicious. Visit the official brand's website and check if they sell on DHgate through an authorized account. For more guidance on spotting fraudulent websites and sellers, see our guide on /guides/is-this-website-a-scam/. Always use DHgate's official payment system and dispute service, never arrange payment outside the platform.

What to do if you have already interacted

If you've paid but not yet received the item, open a dispute immediately through DHgate's Resolution Centre. Provide detailed evidence: screenshots of the seller's misleading photos, comparisons to official products, and any messages where they made false claims about authenticity. Upload clear photos of the item if you've already received it, showing packaging quality, spelling errors, or missing components that indicate it's counterfeit. If the seller won't cooperate and DHgate's dispute rules against you, escalate to DHgate's customer service team via their "Contact Us" page and request a supervisor review. If you paid by credit or debit card, contact your bank immediately and request a chargeback, citing "counterfeit goods" or "item not as described." Keep all evidence: screenshots, photos, tracking details, and dispute correspondence. If the amount is significant (over £100), report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 and provide them with transaction details. Do not send any further money to the seller or agree to "resolve privately" outside the platform.

Reporting this scam in the UK

Report the fraudulent seller directly to DHgate's Trust & Safety team via their website's reporting mechanism—click the three dots on the product listing and select "Report this seller." Simultaneously, report the scam to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040 or online at actionfraud.police.uk) with your transaction reference, seller details, and evidence of the counterfeit or misleading product. If you received a phishing email pretending to be from DHgate asking you to "verify your account" or "confirm payment details," forward it to the NCSC Suspicious Email Reporting Service at report@phishing.gov.uk. Contact Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 for guidance on chargebacks or if you've lost significant money and need advice on your rights. If you paid by bank transfer rather than through DHgate's platform, alert your bank's fraud team immediately so they can attempt to freeze the recipient account. Keep detailed records of all correspondence and provide these to the authorities—this helps action fraud identify patterns and shut down repeat offenders. File complaints consistently; repeated reports against the same seller or address increase the likelihood of action.

Frequently asked questions