Birmingham, AL (April 21, 2025)– The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Serving Central and South Alabama is alerting consumers to a surge in counterfeit designer products from China being sold online, particularly through platforms like DHGate, AliExpress, and social media channels such as TikTok. This trend appears to be fueled by recent U.S. tariff changes and misleading claims from overseas sellers.
A growing number of viral TikToks are encouraging shoppers to bypass major retailers and “buy from the source,” claiming you can score the same products—especially luxury or trending items—directly from Chinese manufacturers at a fraction of the cost.
While this may sound appealing, there are serious risks involved.
What’s Fueling the Trend?
Many of these sellers promote:
- Claims that they manufacture goods for designer brands and are now selling directly due to new U.S. tariffs
- Lower prices and immediate shipping
- Access to niche or trending products not sold locally
Some allege that luxury brands have their products made in China, shipped to Europe for minor finishing touches, and then rebranded and repackaged to show “Made in France” or “Made in Italy.”
Recent changes to U.S. trade policy have tightened rules on low-value imports from China. Beginning May 2, 2025, the de minimis exemption—which previously allowed items valued under $800 to enter the country duty-free—will no longer apply to shipments from China and Hong Kong. These shipments will now be subject to new tariffs and fees, increasing both the cost and complexity of direct-to-consumer buying from these regions.
In addition, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is expected to step up enforcement on mislabeled or low-value shipments—particularly those falsely marked as ‘gifts’ or undervalued in an attempt to avoid duties and taxes.
Buyer Beware: What You Should Know
Consumers enticed by these offers should weigh the following risks:
- Poor or Nonexistent Return Policies: Getting a refund can be nearly impossible, the BBB has received thousands of complaints about these off shore companies..
- Counterfeit Concerns: The product may not be authentic—even if it looks similar. Brands like Lululemon and Adidas have publicly denied any ties to sellers making such claims.
- Lack of Quality Control: What arrives may differ significantly from the advertised product.
- Long Shipping Times: Orders may take weeks or even months to arrive.
- Customs Delays or Seizures: Shipments marked suspiciously may be held or denied.
- Ethical Concerns: Consumers should consider labor practices, counterfeit laws, and the environmental impact of overseas shipping.
BBB Advice for Consumers:
- Do your research: Check seller reviews and company profiles at org.
- Be wary of deep discounts: If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Watch out for scams: Fake “manufacturer direct” shops are often short-lived and disappear after collecting payment.
- Use secure payment methods: Always pay by credit card for the strongest fraud protection.
- Understand the risks: Products may not be covered by U.S. consumer protection laws.
- Report suspicious sellers: Use BBB Scam Tracker to help protect others.
More Information
For more information on online purchase scams, visit BBB.org.
https://www.bbb.org/
