The Most Common Industrial Laser Cutter Scams on AliExpress to Avoid in 2026

Navigating the Risks: Common Scams for Industrial Laser Cutters on AliExpress

Purchasing high-value items like industrial laser cutters on AliExpress offers competitive pricing, but it also exposes buyers to a range of sophisticated scams. Understanding these common fraudulent practices is the first step in protecting your investment.

1. Fake Tracking Number Loophole

Sellers may provide a fake or previously used tracking number that shows the item as delivered, even though you have not received it. This tactic is often used to bypass AliExpress's buyer protection policies, as the platform may side with the seller based on the "delivered" status. Be aware that tracking numbers might not always be assigned to your specific order or location, making it difficult to prove non-receipt.

2. Bait-and-Switch Quality

This scam involves advertising a high-quality industrial laser cutter but delivering a significantly inferior or completely different product, such as a plasma cutter or a unit with misrepresented specifications. Sellers might also claim that certain advertised features or accessories are not included and require additional payment, a tactic often employed when prices are unrealistically low.

3. Shipping Extortion via Message / Customs Clearance Phishing

After you've made a purchase, the seller may contact you with demands for additional shipping fees, often citing unexpected customs charges or logistical issues. They might direct you to a separate payment link outside of AliExpress for these fees. This can also manifest as phishing attempts where a "courier company" contacts you for personal information or additional payment to clear customs, which is not how legitimate customs processes work. Be wary of any requests for payment outside the platform or for information that should be handled directly by customs authorities.

4. The 'Confirm Receipt' Trick

Sellers may pressure buyers to 'confirm receipt' of the item before it has actually arrived. Once you confirm receipt, the funds are released to the seller, significantly weakening your position if a dispute arises. Confirming receipt before inspecting the item can leave you with little recourse if the product is faulty, not as described, or never arrives.

5. Unrealistically Low 'Choice' Prices

Be highly skeptical of industrial laser cutters priced significantly lower than the market average. These 'too good to be true' deals are often a lure for various scams, including bait-and-switch tactics, fake tracking numbers, or an attempt to gather payment information for fraudulent purposes.

6. Address Rerouting Scam

In this scam, a seller might provide a tracking number that indicates delivery to an address different from yours, often in the same city. They then claim the item was delivered, making it difficult to prove non-receipt, especially if AliExpress sides with the seller based on the tracking information.

7. Brushing (Fake Review) Padding

While less common for high-value items like industrial laser cutters, some sellers might engage in brushing by sending unsolicited small items to boost their sales numbers and create fake positive reviews. This is more typical for lower-priced goods but serves to inflate seller ratings, potentially misleading buyers about the seller's overall reliability.

Securing Your Industrial Laser Cutter Purchase

Industrial laser cutters represent a significant investment. To mitigate the risks associated with online purchases, it is highly recommended to utilize identity verification services. For transactions involving industrial laser cutters, which typically exceed $500, the Safe Trade Services Premium Plan offers robust verification, adding an essential layer of security to your transaction.

• ✓ Thoroughly vet sellers by checking their ratings, store age, and buyer feedback.
• ✓ Be wary of prices that are significantly lower than the market average.
• ✓ Never agree to pay outside of the AliExpress platform.
• ✓ Do not confirm receipt of an item until you have physically received and inspected it.
• ✓ Utilize Safe Trade Services for identity verification on high-value transactions.