Are you tempted by those TikTok Shop flash deals but afraid of getting a nasty surprise? The platform has become an irresistible showcase, with eye-catching videos and offers that seem like science fiction, although, as with giants like Amazon and Temu, fake reviews, knockoff products and discounts that hide more than they show also coexist. The good news is you don’t have to run away: with a bit of method and a critical eye you can separate the genuine from the dubious and keep only what’s worth it. Also, if you arm yourself with a few clear indicators —and don’t get carried away by the first shiny comment— you’ll have a much better chance of getting it right the first time. Ready to sharpen your radar and shop smart without giving up the bargains?
Fake reviews: how to spot them without falling into the trap
Manipulated ratings are not exclusive to TikTok Shop; in fact, they frequently appear on large marketplaces, so it’s no surprise to find them here too. A common sign is very high scores paired with enthusiastic comments all posted on the same day or within a suspiciously short time window, while, if you scroll a little further, less favorable opinions that look like those of real buyers emerge. When several reviews share identical phrases or a cloned style, and at the same time another set details varied problems with the product, it’s wise to be suspicious and look at the whole picture, not just the surface.
The key is not to stop at the first lines and to spend an extra minute checking older reviews, user-uploaded photos and any detail that provides context. It also matters to compare the item description with the seller’s images; if the text promises features that can’t be verified in the photos, the most sensible move is to skip it.
Impossible bargains and knockoffs: when the price tells a different story
TikTok Shop is full of “clearance” tags, vouchers that stack discounts and sales that exceed 70%. We all love deals, but when a product that usually goes for around 100 is offered for 20, quality likely won’t match. That doesn’t have to be a problem if you want something cheap and disposable, but if your priority is for the item to hold up, better favor options that don’t plunge in price so drastically. Before buying, check reviews, photos and the description; if you find more negative than positive critiques, or if the images don’t back up what the seller claims, the prudent choice is to close the tab.
Another classic issue is copies or counterfeits. Less ethical sellers may use stolen or heavily edited photos to hide defects, and even inflate the “original price” so the discount looks massive. If you’re going to spend a significant amount, research the seller’s track record and look for consistency signals in their catalog and feedback. And remember, a real bargain withstands scrutiny; a phony one falls apart when you ask for proof.
So-called secret codes that aren’t: phishing disguised as a bargain
There are scams that don’t even go through TikTok Shop, though they’re promoted on TikTok. According to the Better Business Bureau, posts from alleged “angry” former employees circulate sharing secret codes to get products for free or at ridiculous prices. The link leads to a site that looks legitimate at first glance and, when you add items, the shipping cost starts to inflate. That’s the trap: although it seems you save on the product, the fraudulent seller pockets the margin thanks to those disproportionate shipping fees.
What’s worse is that, if anything arrives, it usually doesn’t resemble what was advertised, and there’s no clear way to complain or contact the “company” (although you can contact TikTok), while your personal and payment data are already in the wrong hands. That’s why, even if the hook comes from a viral video, it’s worth taking a breath and checking the source before typing in your card. Basically you should verify that the offer is inside TikTok Shop and that the seller has a solid history.
And although the platform is full of authentic sellers and useful products, the difference between a happy purchase and a disappointment is spending a few minutes to investigate: review opinions that aren’t all from the same day, compare photos with descriptions and, if something doesn’t add up, trust your gut and move on to the next. That way you can take advantage of good opportunities without giving away your data or your money.
