In recent months, we've noticed a sharp increase in reports from Serbian citizens who fell for scams presented as "Alibaba" jobs: registration on a supposed platform, a "mentor" assigning tasks, and quick commissions that you can allegedly withdraw immediately. The promises are always the same – easy work, no risk, no investment – but you're soon asked to deposit small amounts "for activation," followed by increasingly larger sums, supposedly to complete the next task. As soon as the money is sent, the scammers change the rules, unlock "VIP 1, 2, 3" packages, and demand more payments until they eventually disappear entirely. It's important to understand: Alibaba.com, as a global B2B platform, does NOT offer this type of earning model, nor does it request money for "completing tasks" or commissions. Below, we share the email messages we received and a detailed guide on how to protect yourself.
What's really happening: The pattern of the "task-based earnings" scam
Scammers present themselves as "Alibaba mentors," "platform managers," or "customer service" and contact you via WeChat, WhatsApp, or Telegram groups, as well as through ads on social media, forums, and "local" communities. The scenario is almost identical:
- Attractive ad: "no-investment job," "freelance tasks," "earnings with mentor support."
- Creating an account on a fake platform or Google form mimicking Alibaba branding.
- First "test task" after which a payout supposedly follows, but the condition is a small payment (e.g., 500 RSD) "for activation."
- You "pass successfully," but then "VIP levels" and new "tasks" with increasingly larger payments appear – supposedly to "unlock" earnings.
- When you try to withdraw money, they demand a "processing fee," "security deposit," or "final commission" – after which they disappear.
This is a classic escalation scam scheme: it starts with small amounts ("so it doesn't hurt"), then pushes you to "not quit just before the finish line" while increasing the stakes. Psychological pressure and fake urgency ("offer expires in 10 minutes") further push you toward the next payment.
Real examples (messages we received)
1) Danijel –
Hello, I have a question and don't know who to turn to. I'm a victim of an Alibaba scam. I worked on commission platforms for goods, took some VIP3 package, first paid 6,000 RSD, then they asked for 23,000, then 61,328 – that's all I gave, and of course the "final commission" of 150,638 to complete the task. Naturally, I refused any further cooperation once I realized I was scammed. I hope you can guide me on who to contact. Thanks in advance.
Analysis: The payment progression (6,000 → 23,000 → 61,328 RSD → "final" 150,638 RSD) is typical of the "just one more step" scheme. No legitimate platform conditions commission withdrawals on additional private payments.
2) Vesna –
Dear Sir/Madam, I kindly request information and guidance. I'm interested in whether the platform called "Trade Services Platform" Alibaba is real or a scam? It's about a system where we register, get our business account and commission, which we withdraw, after receiving a mentor and tasks to solve, as well as offers like VIP 1, 2, 3... PLEASE INFORM ME IF THIS IS THE REAL ALIBABA SITE. Thank you in advance, Vesna
Analysis: Mentions of "business accounts within the platform," "VIP packages," and "mentors" assigning tasks are not part of Alibaba.com's business model. This is a red flag.
3) Nada –
Dear Sir/Madam, an ad for a no-investment job appeared on the WeChat Serbia platform. Then they instruct you to pay 500 din. All for the "improvement of Alibaba's work." A large number of people, including me, "fell for" the scam, not suspecting that Alibaba would be used in such fraudulent ways. We had to complete tasks and constantly deposit money to finish them. I knowingly trusted them and lost a significant amount of money. I reported it to the bank and Serbian police, but I see the platform is still active. I just want the money traced and the scammers exposed.
Analysis: "WeChat Serbia" and similar groups misuse big brands' authority as bait. Reporting to the bank and police is correct, but scammers quickly open new accounts – making preventive education crucial.
How to distinguish real Alibaba.com from fake "platforms"
- Domain: the official domain is
alibaba.com. Treat anything else (similar domains, shortened links, Google forms) as suspicious. - Business model: Alibaba is a B2B marketplace (buyers-suppliers), not a "task-work" service, and doesn't pay users commissions for clicks/tasks.
- Payments: real platforms don't request private payments to "mentors," "admins," or via P2P accounts.
- VIP job packages: don't exist. VIP memberships on legitimate sites are B2B services for traders, not tasks.
- Communication: official channels are within accounts and official support. If they redirect you to private chats – red flag.
- Psychological pressure: "urgent," "offer expires," "just one more task" – typical manipulative language.
Psychology of scams: Why do people fall for them?
These schemes exploit cognitive weaknesses:
- Brand authority: using Alibaba's name creates a false sense of security.
- Foot-in-the-door: starts with a small payment (500 RSD) then escalates.
- Illusion of progress: "VIP 1, 2, 3" and status bars make you feel close to the goal.
- Sunk cost fallacy: "I've already invested, might as well finish."
- Social proof: fake "payout" screenshots and testimonials.
Urgent steps if you suspect you've been scammed
- Stop payments immediately. Don't send "one last installment to unblock."
- Contact your bank: request card/account blocking and inquire about chargeback or transaction disputes.
- Report to police (High-Tech Crime Unit) and preserve evidence: payment slips, account numbers, transaction IDs, links, user accounts, correspondence, screenshots, audio/video messages.
- Report the account/platform: use "Report" options in apps (WeChat/WhatsApp/FB).
- Warn others: share your experience in relevant places (local groups, forums) – more public warnings mean less damage.
How to verify an offer yourself (mini checklist)
- Link test: hover over links (don't click) and check the status bar – is it really
alibaba.com? - Who's asking for money? Legitimate companies won't request payments to "mentors" via P2P or crypto wallets.
- Language and style: poor grammar, mixing Latin/Cyrillic, unclear terms – alarm.
- No contract: without a clear contract, tax ID/company registration, and invoice – don't pay.
- Too good to be true: high daily earnings for 10–15 minutes of work – unrealistic.
What Alibaba.com is – and what it isn't
Is: a global B2B platform connecting buyers and suppliers, with tools for quotes, orders, and logistics. Operates via business transactions of goods/services between companies.
Isn't: an app for "click tasks," "VIP commissions," "deposits to unlock payouts," or private payments to "mentors." If someone asks for this – it's brand abuse, not Alibaba.
Where and how to report (quick guide)
- Bank: contact support immediately – state suspected fraud, request blocking and dispute instructions.
- Police (MUP): file a criminal report with evidence. Prepare a timeline and payment list.
- Platforms/apps: report accounts/groups (WeChat, WhatsApp, Facebook) – attach screenshots and links.
Note: These are general informational tips. For legal-formal steps, consult authorities and/or legal advisors.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Are "VIP 1/2/3" and "commission tasks" official Alibaba programs?
No. This isn't part of Alibaba.com's business model. It's brand misuse and a typical scam.
They're asking for "one last payment" to "unlock my payout." Should I pay?
No. This is the most common trick – "just one more" – after which they vanish. Stop payments and preserve evidence.
How do I check a link they sent me?
Check the domain – it must be alibaba.com. Watch for slight differences and redirects. If unsure, don't enter data or pay.
What if I paid small amounts (e.g., 500 RSD)?
That's still a scam sign – the goal is to "get you into the game." Stop further payments, notify your bank, and report it.
Can I get my money back?
Depends on payment type, time elapsed, and bank/card scheme procedures. Contact your bank immediately, file a dispute, and follow instructions.
Conclusion: Education, verification, zero tolerance for private payments
The experiences of Danijel, Vesna, and Nada clearly show that "commission tasks," "VIP packages," and private payments aren't legitimate Alibaba.com collaboration models. If someone insists you're "just one step away," remember: legitimate payouts don't depend on payments to private accounts. Always verify links, request legal details and contracts, and consult before paying.
Want us to verify an offer or communication you received? Send details (links, screenshots) – better to ask than lose money. Stay skeptical, watch for urgency pressure, and don't fall for "too good to be true."
