If you’ve ever ordered a package from China, you may have experienced the frustration of receiving a fake tracking number. It’s essential to take action when this happens to protect your package and resolve the issue. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps you can take if you encounter a fake China Post tracking number.
Key Takeaways
- If you receive a suspicious tracking number, contact the seller and request a correct one.
- Verify the format of the tracking number to ensure it matches China Post standards.
- Use alternative tracking platforms to cross-verify the information provided.
- Reach out to your local postal service for assistance.
- File a dispute on the platform you ordered from if the issue remains unresolved.
Signs of Fake China Post Tracking Numbers
When ordering from Chinese online stores, especially when dealing with scam sellers, it’s not uncommon to come across fake tracking numbers. Being able to identify these fake tracking numbers can help protect you from potential scams and ensure a safer online shopping experience.
Here are some signs to look out for when trying to spot fake China Post tracking numbers:
- Incorrect Formats: Fake tracking numbers often have incorrect formats. They may have the wrong length or not start and end with the correct letters, specifically EA, EB, EC, EE, RA, RB, RC, and “CN”. If the tracking number you receive doesn’t follow this format, it’s likely invalid or fake.
- No Shipping Record: Check the tracking number on the China Post tracking website. If it shows a “No Shipping Record” alert, it means that the number does not exist within the tracking database. This is a clear indication of a fake tracking number.
- Double-Check Correctness: Make sure that you have entered the tracking number correctly, without missing any digits. It’s essential to ensure that the number matches exactly the one provided by the seller. Even a small error can result in tracking inaccuracies.
- Verify Carrier: Confirm that the tracking number is specifically for China Post and not for another carrier. Authentic China Post tracking numbers are 13 digits long and end with “CN”. You can use universal tracking services like 17Track or ParcelsApp to verify updates with different carriers.
- Possible Delay: Consider the possibility that the package is still with the seller and has not been handed over to China Post for scanning into the delivery network. Give the seller some time before expecting updates on the tracking number.
- Seller’s Behavior: If none of the above possibilities apply, and the seller is uncooperative or provides excuses, it is highly likely that you have encountered a scam seller who has given you a fake China Post tracking number.
| Signs of Fake China Post Tracking Numbers | How to Spot Fake Tracking Numbers |
|---|---|
| Incorrect Formats: wrong length or incorrect start and end letters (EA, EB, EC, EE, RA, RB, RC, “CN”) | No Shipping Record on China Post website |
| Ensure correct entry of tracking number without any missing digits | Verify carrier – 13 digits long and ending with “CN” |
| Possible delay if package is still with the seller | |
| Uncooperative behavior from the seller |
Tips for Avoiding Fake China Post Tracking Numbers
When it comes to online shopping from China, it’s important to take precautions and protect yourself from encountering fake tracking numbers. Here are some valuable tips to help you avoid scams and ensure a safe shopping experience:
1. Purchase from reputable sellers: Choose sellers with positive reviews and established track records. Reputable sellers are less likely to engage in dubious practices like providing fake tracking numbers to deceive buyers.
2. Beware of new sellers with no feedback ratings: New sellers without a proven track record may be more likely to resort to providing fake tracking numbers to buy time. Avoid dealing with such sellers, especially when ordering valuable or time-sensitive products.
3. Check seller’s ratings and reviews: Before making a purchase, carefully review the seller’s ratings and feedback from other buyers. Look for any negative comments regarding issues with fake tracking numbers or non-delivery. This can serve as a warning sign and help you make an informed decision.
4. Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true: Extremely cheap prices often come with caveats. If a deal appears too good to be true, exercise caution and consider the possibility of receiving a fake tracking number. Research the seller and product thoroughly before making a purchase.
5. Use secure payment methods: Opt for secure payment options like PayPal, which offer buyer protection in case of fraudulent activity. These platforms provide mechanisms to resolve disputes and potentially recover your funds if you encounter issues with fake tracking numbers or non-delivery.
6. Consider purchasing shipping insurance: If the seller offers shipping insurance, consider adding it to your purchase. This provides additional recourse in case your package is lost or if you receive an invalid tracking number. It adds an extra layer of protection to safeguard your purchase.
7. Take unresolved issues seriously: If you encounter any problems or doubts about the validity of a tracking number, proactively reach out to the seller. Address the concern politely but firmly, seeking clarification and resolution. Keep records of your conversations and any evidence, such as screenshots, which might be useful if you need to escalate the matter.
8. Exercise patience with delivery timelines: During holiday seasons and amid COVID-19 restrictions, delivery times can be unpredictable. Allow for longer transit times before jumping to conclusions about the authenticity of a tracking number. Patience and understanding can help avoid unnecessary disputes and frustrations.
By following these tips, you can minimize the risk of encountering fake China Post tracking numbers and ensure a safer online shopping experience. Remember, always approach online shopping from China with caution and use reputable sellers to protect yourself and your purchases.
FAQ
What should I do if I receive a tracking number that is not working or shows suspicious updates?
The first step is to contact the seller directly and express your concerns. Politely request them to provide a correct China Post tracking number.
How do I verify the validity of a China Post tracking number?
Verify the format of the tracking number to ensure it is correct. China Post tracking numbers should be 13-digits long and start with letters such as EA, EB, EC, EE, RA, RB, or RC, ending with “CN”. If the tracking number is unusually short or does not follow this format, it is likely invalid or fake.
Can I use other tracking platforms apart from China Post to check my package’s status?
Yes, instead of relying solely on the China Post website for tracking updates, you can use other tracking platforms like 17Track, ParcelsApp, and Postal Ninja to cross-verify the information.
How can I confirm if the tracking number provided is fake?
If the tracking number shows no record on multiple platforms, it is likely fake. However, if it works on some sites and not others, it could be due to technical glitches.
Is it useful to contact my local postal service for information about my package?
Yes, reach out to your local postal service, such as USPS, and provide them with the tracking number to check if they have any information on the international parcel headed to your address.
What should I do if contacting the seller directly does not resolve the issue?
File an official dispute on the platform you ordered from, such as AliExpress or eBay. Provide evidence, such as the invalid tracking number or screenshots of the “no record found” error on the China Post tracking page, to support your case.
What should I be cautious of after filing a dispute with the seller?
Be cautious of sudden new tracking numbers provided by the seller after filing a dispute. Verify the new tracking number carefully as described in the previous steps.
What can I do if the dispute process on the online platform does not yield a satisfactory resolution?
Consider contacting your bank or credit card company to initiate a chargeback. Provide details of the issue, including the incorrect tracking number and lack of delivery, to start an investigation and potentially get your money back.
Should I consider potential delays before taking further action against the seller?
Yes, while an invalid tracking number can indicate a problem, consider potential delays during the holiday season or due to COVID-19 restrictions. International deliveries may take longer than expected, so exercise patience before taking further action against the seller.
What can I do to avoid encountering fake tracking numbers in the future?
To avoid encountering fake tracking numbers in the future, buy from reputable sellers with positive reviews and established track records. Use secure payment methods like PayPal and consider purchasing shipping insurance if offered by the seller.
Are fake tracking numbers common when ordering from Chinese online stores?
Yes, invalid tracking numbers are common when ordering from Chinese online stores, especially if dealing with scam sellers.
How can I spot fake tracking numbers?
Fake tracking numbers often have incorrect formats, such as the wrong length or not starting and ending with the right letters (EA, EB, EC, EE, RA, RB, RC) and “CN”. Use the China Post tracking website to check if the number gives a “No Shipping Record” alert, indicating that it does not exist within the tracking database.
What should I do if I suspect a tracking number to be fake?
Double-check that you have entered the tracking number correctly, without leaving off any digits. Ensure that the number matches exactly the one provided by the seller. Verify if the tracking number is indeed for China Post and not for another carrier. Consider the possibility that the package is still with the seller and has not been handed over to China Post for scanning into the delivery network.
What if the seller is uncooperative or provides excuses?
If all the above possibilities do not apply and the seller is uncooperative or provides excuses, it is likely that you have encountered a scam seller who has given you a fake China Post tracking number.
How should I approach online shopping from China to avoid fake tracking numbers?
Purchase from reputable sellers with positive reviews and established track records. Check the seller’s rating and reviews, and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. Use secure payment methods like PayPal, which offer buyer protection. Keep detailed records of all communications with the seller and exercise patience with delivery timelines.
What can I do if a dispute with the seller is unresolved?
Reach out to your bank or credit card company to initiate a chargeback. Provide details of the issue, including the incorrect tracking number and lack of delivery, to start an investigation and potentially get your money back.
How can I minimize frustration and protect myself from fake China Post tracking numbers?
By following these tips, you can minimize frustration and protect yourself from encountering fake China Post tracking numbers. Remember to approach online shopping from China with caution and use reputable sellers for a safer experience.