How To Be Safe When Buying From TikTok Shop

TikTok Shop launched in the U.S. in 2023, and a little more than a year later, it is already one of the app’s most popular features.

TikTok Shop offers a platform where users can buy a range of products within the app. The idea behind the platform is to bring live streams with shopping features (shoppable videos) directly to customers’ For You pages.

TikTok Shop allows you to sell directly to your audience if you are a brand or merchant. If you are a buyer, you have a new way to discover and purchase items.

Still, like any online platform, there are risks. These include scams, fake products, and unrealizable sellers. If you fall victim to a scam, it can make for a very unpleasant experience.

Keep reading to discover some of the best tips to stay safe when buying from TikTok Shop in 2025.

Is TikTok Shop Safe in the First Place?

Before we get to the tips, it is important to establish whether TikTok Shop is safe to begin with. In 2025, TikTok Shop will be mostly safe. However, it is crucial to remember that incidents of fake products, scams, and fake reviews still happen.

Getting a refund from the seller or TikTok itself is possible if you buy something but do not receive it. The same applies if you buy something and what you get is not what you expected.

You can request a return within 30 days using the TikTok Shop Buyer Protection Program. In some instances, you may be able to request a return or refund within 90 days.

Shopping Safely on TikTok Shop

If you want to use TikTok Shop, you should not just tap on Buy Now before checking out the seller you are buying from. TikTok Shop is a massive platform, which means there is always a chance that you will find fake or bad-quality items.

If you want to buy something, check out the review section first. This will give you an instant idea of whether the seller is trustworthy. Remember to look for the tell-tale signs of fake reviews. If the seller only gets five-star reviews with absolutely no negative comments, there may be a problem.

Do Not Ignore the Product Listings

It is easy to get swept up in the excitement of online shopping, especially if you see great photos of products you like. Instead of scrolling through twenty photos, take the time to read the product description.

A badly written description often tells you very little about the product. This is especially true if the product is exceptionally cheap. On the other hand, if the product is well-described and is sold by a well-known brand, it is a good sign.

You can double-check the listing by reverse-searching the product images to ensure they are genuine.

Do Not Link Your Credit Card

Linking your credit card can be very convenient for TikTok Shop shopping. TikTok works with third-party payment platforms to process payments. This typically means that no personal data is collected or stored.

Still, it is not a bad idea to play it safe, especially on such a big platform. You may consider using PayPal or Apple Pay if you buy from the shop.

Never provide your bank details to anyone on the TikTok Shop, even if it is a world-famous brand. Keep your financial details far from the TikTok platform and opt for a secure third-party payment method.

Report Suspicious Activity

If you are buying something from a TikTok shop and something feels strange about the transaction, report it to TikTok. You can report the seller’s TikTok account by going into their profile and tapping the share button.

Under the share option, you will find the report feature, where you can choose a reason for your report and submit it.

You can also report them via the TikTok website using the More Options button. The button opens the Report option to add your reason and submit.

Scams to Look Out For

If you have not bought anything on TikTok Shop before, it will be easier to get scammed. Therefore, being aware of the most common scams making the rounds on the platform is crucial.

One of the most abundant scams you will likely encounter is counterfeit products. Many scammers are out there who take the time to create listings based on original brand-name items.

The problem is that they charge a fraction of the price, and when you get your items, they are fake or substandard. Things to look out for include poorly written descriptions, ridiculously low prices, and a lack of seller reviews.

Another scenario includes non-delivery. You may pay for a pair of shoes, but the scammers then take your money and disappear. They also often provide false tracking information to throw you off.

If a seller is pressuring you for payment or there is no order confirmation after you pay, you will likely not receive anything.

Yet another scam to look out for is traditional payment fraud. Some scammers convince buyers to pay for items outside TikTok’s secure payment system. This includes sending them fraudulent payment likes or requesting bank transfers.

The problem is that you cannot get your money back or your items delivered if you pay.

If someone wants you to pay or communicate outside the TikTok Shop platform, cut off the transaction and report them.

Engage With the TikTok Community

TikTok is known for its strong community. You can use this to your advantage when buying from TikTok Shop. For instance, you can ask for opinions from other buyers about their experiences with a particular seller.

You can also follow credible and trustworthy content creators specializing in product reviews and unboxing. This will help you find trustworthy sellers who offer products you safely pay for.

TikTok Is an Exciting Online Shopping Destination

Buying from TikTok Shop is fun and exciting, but keeping your safety at the forefront of your mind is also essential. Using these tips, you can avoid scams and enjoy all the convenience of shopping on TikTok.