What To Do If You Get a Fake China Post Tracking Number?

Online shopping has revolutionized the way we purchase goods, offering convenience and accessibility like never before. However, with this convenience comes the risk of encountering fraudulent sellers and fake tracking numbers, particularly when dealing with international shipments. In this guide, we’ll explore the steps you can take to verify the authenticity of China Post tracking numbers and ensure a secure online shopping experience.

Contacting the Seller: The Initial Step

The journey to safeguarding your online purchases begins with direct communication with the seller. Upon encountering issues with the provided tracking number, such as it being non-functional or displaying suspicious updates, it’s crucial to promptly reach out to the seller. Politely express your concerns and request a correct China Post tracking number. In most cases, sellers will cooperate and provide a valid tracking number upon direct communication. However, a lack of cooperation or excuses from the seller should raise immediate red flags, signaling potential fraudulent activity.

Verifying Tracking Number Format

Before proceeding further, it’s essential to ensure that the tracking number provided follows the correct format. Authentic China Post tracking numbers typically consist of 13 digits and commence with specific letters, such as EA, EB, EC, EE, RA, RB, or RC, followed by “CN” at the end. Any deviation from this format, such as unusually short numbers or incorrect letter sequences, indicates an invalid or fake tracking number.

Expanding Tracking Resources

While the China Post website serves as a primary tracking platform, it’s advisable not to solely rely on it. Employing multiple tracking sites like 17Track, ParcelsApp, and Postal Ninja allows for cross-verification of tracking updates. If a tracking number yields no records across various platforms, it’s highly probable that it’s counterfeit. Conversely, if discrepancies arise where the tracking number works on some platforms but not others, technical issues might be at play.

Assessing Delivery Timelines

Authentic China Post tracking reflects realistic transit timelines based on the parcel type, whether it’s air mail, ePacket, or EMS. Therefore, it’s essential to scrutinize the tracking updates for any anomalies in delivery times. For instance, if a parcel dispatched via regular China Post mail from Beijing to New York purportedly reaches its destination in an implausibly short timeframe, such as two days, it signals falsified updates.

Taking Action Against Fraudulent Tracking Numbers

Should suspicions of fraudulent activity persist despite attempts at verification, it’s imperative to take decisive action:

1. Contact Your Local Postal Service: Seek assistance from your local postal service to verify the legitimacy of the tracking number and investigate any potential discrepancies.
2. File a Dispute on the Sales Platform: Utilize the dispute resolution mechanisms provided by the sales platform through which the purchase was made to address the issue and seek recourse.
3. Be Wary of New Tracking Numbers From Sellers: Exercise caution when sellers provide new tracking numbers, especially if the previous one was deemed invalid. Scrutinize the new number for authenticity before proceeding.
4. Issue a Chargeback on Your Credit Card: If all else fails, consider initiating a chargeback with your credit card issuer to reclaim funds for undelivered or misrepresented goods.

Contact Your Local Postal Service: Seeking Local Assistance

When faced with issues regarding an invalid tracking number, reaching out to your local postal service can be a valuable recourse. Services like USPS possess the capability to track international parcels destined for your address. By providing them with the tracking number in question, you can verify if any delivery information is available within their system. This step serves as an initial attempt to gather additional information and address concerns regarding the shipment’s status.

File a Dispute on the Sales Platform: Official Channels for Resolution

If direct communication with the seller fails to yield satisfactory results, the next course of action is to initiate an official dispute on the platform from which the purchase was made. Leading e-commerce platforms like AliExpress and eBay offer dispute resolution mechanisms, allowing buyers to open disputes within a specified timeframe following the estimated delivery date. When filing a dispute, it’s essential to articulate the issue clearly and provide supporting evidence, such as screenshots of error messages from the China Post tracking page. This formal process exerts pressure on the seller to rectify the situation by providing a genuine tracking number or issuing a refund.

Be Wary of New Tracking Numbers From Seller: Exercise Caution

In some instances, sellers may respond to disputes by furnishing a new China Post tracking number, ostensibly indicating that the parcel is en route. While it’s plausible that the seller initially provided an incorrect tracking number, caution is warranted when encountering sudden updates. Vigilance is key, and verifying the authenticity of the new tracking number through the previously outlined steps is imperative. Any discrepancies or inconsistencies should be thoroughly scrutinized to mitigate the risk of falling victim to fraudulent practices.

Issue a Chargeback on Your Credit Card: A Last Resort

If efforts to resolve the issue through the online platform prove futile, recourse may be sought through your bank or credit card company. Initiating a chargeback entails reporting the situation and requesting a reversal of the payment. Providing detailed documentation, including the invalid tracking number and evidence of non-delivery, initiates a formal investigation by the financial institution. If the seller is found culpable of fraudulent behavior, the buyer is typically reimbursed for the transaction.

Be Patient With Delivery Time: Considering External Factors

While encountering an invalid tracking number raises legitimate concerns, it’s essential to exercise patience, particularly in scenarios involving international shipments. Factors such as seasonal holiday surges and COVID-19-related restrictions can contribute to delays in delivery. While remaining vigilant, it’s advisable to allow sufficient time for the parcel to arrive before taking further action. However, prolonged delays beyond reasonable transit times may necessitate a reassessment of the situation.

Tips to Avoid Fake Tracking Numbers: Proactive Measures

Prevention is often the best defense against fraudulent practices. Incorporating the following tips into your purchasing process can help mitigate the risk of encountering fake tracking numbers:

• Purchase from reputable sellers with a history of positive feedback.
• Avoid transactions with new sellers lacking feedback ratings.
• Scrutinize seller ratings, particularly noting negative feedback related to fake tracking numbers or non-delivery.
• Exercise caution with deals that seem too good to be true, as they may be accompanied by fraudulent practices.
• Utilize secure payment methods like PayPal, offering buyer protection against fraudulent transactions.
• Consider purchasing shipping insurance for added recourse in case of lost parcels or invalid tracking numbers.
• Maintain detailed records of all communications and transactions for evidentiary purposes.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, navigating the complexities of online shopping, particularly when dealing with invalid China Post tracking numbers, requires diligence and informed decision-making. By leveraging the strategies outlined in this guide and exercising caution throughout the purchasing process, buyers can mitigate the risks associated with fraudulent practices and ensure a secure and satisfactory shopping experience. With proactive measures and a vigilant approach, consumers can confidently navigate the digital marketplace and safeguard their interests against potential threats.