How to Avoid Scams When Buying a PlayStation 6 on AliExpress in 2026

Your Guide to Safely Buying a PlayStation 6 on AliExpress

The PlayStation 6 is set to be a highly sought-after console, and as such, it will likely be a target for scammers on platforms like AliExpress. While AliExpress can offer competitive prices, it's crucial to be aware of potential fraudulent activities. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to identify and avoid common scams when looking to purchase your PS6.

Understanding Common AliExpress Scams for High-Value Electronics

• ✓ Unrealistically Low 'Choice' Prices: Be extremely cautious of PS6 listings with prices significantly lower than the market average. These often indicate a fake product, a scam, or a bait-and-switch tactic.
• ✓ Fake Tracking Number Loophole: Scammers may provide a fake or already used tracking number. The item may never be shipped, or a much cheaper, unrelated item might be sent to generate a 'delivered' status, making it difficult to claim a refund.
• ✓ Bait-and-Switch Quality: Sellers might advertise a genuine PS6 but ship a counterfeit, refurbished, or significantly lower-quality version. The product you receive will not match the description or images.
• ✓ The 'Confirm Receipt' Trick: Scammers may pressure you to confirm receipt of the item before it actually arrives or before you've had a chance to properly inspect it. Confirming receipt often limits your ability to open a dispute or claim a refund.
• ✓ Shipping Extortion via Message: After an order is placed, a seller might message you requesting additional payment for shipping, claiming unexpected costs. Refuse these requests and communicate only through the AliExpress platform.
• ✓ The 'Refund to PayPal' Trap: Sellers might ask to process refunds outside of AliExpress, often via PayPal or other direct payment methods. This is a tactic to bypass AliExpress's buyer protection, leaving you with no recourse if the refund isn't sent or is fraudulent.
• ✓ Customs Clearance Phishing: Be wary of unsolicited messages claiming your package is held at customs and requires immediate payment or personal information to be released. This is a phishing attempt to steal your data. [cite: not found in provided snippets]
• ✓ Fake Dispute Evidence: Sellers may fabricate evidence, such as fake delivery confirmations or altered logs, to win disputes. Always provide clear, irrefutable evidence to AliExpress support.
• ✓ Address Rerouting Scam: Scammers might change the delivery address after purchase, or provide an incorrect one, to claim the item was delivered to the correct, albeit fake, destination.
• ✓ Brushing (Fake Review) Padding: While less common for high-value items like a PS6, be aware that some sellers inflate their ratings by sending cheap items to fake buyers, which can sometimes be misconstrued as a legitimate order. [cite: not found in provided snippets]

How to Protect Yourself When Buying Your PlayStation 6

• ✓ Verify Seller Reputation: Check the seller's ratings, reviews, and the number of orders they have fulfilled. Opt for sellers with a long history and high positive feedback.
• ✓ Scrutinize Product Details: Read descriptions carefully, look at all images, and compare specifications with official sources.
• ✓ Use Secure Payment Methods: Always pay through AliExpress's official payment system. Avoid direct payments to sellers via PayPal or other external services.
• ✓ Document Everything: Keep screenshots of listings, conversations with sellers, and tracking information. This evidence is crucial for disputes.
• ✓ Be Wary of 'Too Good to Be True' Prices: The PS6 is a new, high-demand console. Unbelievably low prices are a major red flag.
• ✓ Utilize Safe Trade Services for P2P Transactions: For high-value items like the PlayStation 6, consider using Safe Trade Services. Their Premium Plan offers robust identity verification for both buyers and sellers, adding an extra layer of security to peer-to-peer transactions. This is especially recommended if you are engaging in a direct sale outside of the AliExpress platform.

By staying informed and vigilant, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to scams on AliExpress. Always prioritize security and remember that if a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is.