In the last few months, we’ve seen a sudden spike in reports from people in Serbia about so‑called “Alibaba” scams: a “mentor” assigns you tasks, you earn quick commissions, there are VIP 1/2/3 packages, and the promises are always the same – easy work, no risk. The catch is that they ask for small “activation” payments at first, and then for bigger and bigger amounts. Once your money is in, the scammers disappear.
Alibaba.com does NOT offer this kind of earning program. We’ve had many phone calls and emails about this. Below we’re sharing some of the messages people sent us, plus a step‑by‑step guide on how to protect yourself.
What’s really going on: how the “task earning” scam works
Scammers introduce themselves as “Alibaba mentors”, “platform managers”, or “customer service” and contact you through WeChat, WhatsApp, or Telegram groups, but also via social media ads, forums, and “local” community groups. The script is almost always the same:
- An attractive ad: “no‑investment job”, “part‑time tasks”, “earn with mentor support”.
- They create an account for you on a fake platform or Google form that copies Alibaba branding.
- You get a first “test task” that supposedly pays out, but only if you make a small payment (for example 500 RSD) “to activate your account”.
- You “pass” the test, but then come “VIP levels” and new tasks that require bigger deposits to “unlock” higher earnings.
- When you try to withdraw your money, they ask for a “processing fee”, “security deposit”, or “final commission” – and then disappear.
This is a classic escalation scam: it starts with tiny amounts “so it doesn’t hurt”, then pushes you not to quit “when you’re so close to the goal”, and keeps increasing the stakes. Psychological pressure and fake countdowns (“offer expires in 10 minutes”) are there to push you into the next payment.
Real examples (messages people sent us)
1) Danijel –
Hello, I have a question and I don’t know who to ask. I’m a victim of an Alibaba scam, I was working on a platform doing tasks for commission. I bought a VIP3 package – first I paid 6,000 RSD, then they asked for 23,000, then 61,328, that’s everything I sent. Of course, now there’s a “final commission” of 150,638 RSD to complete the task and I refused to continue because I realised I had been scammed. I hope you can tell me who I should contact. Thank you in advance.
Analysis: This pattern (6,000 → 23,000 → 61,328 RSD → “final” 150,638 RSD) is textbook “just a bit more” escalation. No legitimate platform requires private top‑ups just to release commissions you supposedly already earned.
2) Vesna –
Dear Sir/Madam, I’d like some information and guidance. There is a “Platform for trade services Alibaba” and I don’t know whether it’s real or a scam. It’s a system where we register, get our own business account and commission, which we can withdraw, and before that we get a mentor and tasks to complete, as well as offers like VIP 1, 2, 3… PLEASE TELL ME IF THIS IS THE REAL ALIBABA WEBSITE. Thank you in advance, Vesna.
Analysis: Talk of a “business account inside the platform”, “VIP packages”, and a “mentor” assigning tasks is not how Alibaba.com operates. This is a clear red flag.
3) Nada –
Dear Sir/Madam, in a WeChat Serbia group there was an ad for a job with no investment. Then they tell you to pay 500 RSD. Supposedly, it’s “to support Alibaba’s operations”. A lot of people got hooked, including me, because nobody expected the Alibaba name to be used this way. We had to complete tasks and constantly pay more money to finish them. I trusted them and lost a fair amount of money. I informed my bank and the Serbian police, but I see the platform is still active. I just want them to be tracked through the money trail and for the scammers to be found.
Analysis: Groups like “WeChat Serbia” and similar use the power of a big brand as bait. Reporting the case to the bank and police is the right move, but scammers quickly open new accounts and groups – which is why education and prevention are so important.
How to tell real Alibaba.com from fake “platforms”
- Domain: the official domain is
alibaba.com. Anything else (look‑alike domains, shortened links, Google forms) should be treated as suspicious. - Business model: Alibaba is a B2B marketplace (buyers and suppliers). It is not a “task” platform, does not pay users per click, and does not run “task‑based earnings” schemes.
- Payments: real platforms do not ask you to send money to “mentors”, “admins”, or private P2P accounts.
- VIP work packages: do not exist. VIP memberships on legitimate sites are B2B services for sellers, not paid “levels” for random task work.
- Communication: official support happens through the platform and verified channels. If they push you into private chats only – big red flag.
- Psychological pressure: “urgent”, “offer ending soon”, “just one more step” – this is scammer language, not professional communication.
The psychology behind it: why people fall for this
These scams are carefully designed around common human biases:
- Brand authority: using the Alibaba name creates a false sense of safety.
- Foot‑in‑the‑door: first a tiny payment (500 RSD), then bigger ones.
- Illusion of progress: “VIP 1, 2, 3” and progress bars make you feel you’re close to a big payout.
- Sunk cost fallacy: “I’ve already put in so much, I should just finish.”
- Social proof: fake screenshots of “payouts” and made‑up testimonials.
What to do immediately if you think you’ve been scammed
- Stop sending money right away. Do not pay any “final fee to unlock your payout”.
- Contact your bank: ask them to block your card/account and check whether a chargeback or dispute is possible for your transactions.
- Report it to the police and keep all evidence: payment slips, account numbers, transaction IDs, links, usernames, chat logs, screenshots, audio/video messages.
- Report the account/platform: use the “Report” option in WeChat, WhatsApp, Facebook, and other apps, and send them screenshots and details.
- Warn others: share your experience in relevant local groups and forums. The more public warnings there are, the fewer people will fall for it.
Quick checklist: how to check if an offer is real
- Link test: hover over the link (without clicking) and look at the status bar – is it really
alibaba.com? - Who is asking for money? A legitimate company will not ask you to send money to a “mentor” via P2P or crypto wallets.
- Language and style: poor grammar, mixed scripts, and vague terms are all warning signs.
- No legal details: if there is no company name, registration number, or proper invoice – do not pay.
- Too good to be true: high daily income for 10–15 minutes of “work” is not realistic.
What Alibaba.com is – and what it isn’t
What it is: a global B2B platform that connects buyers and suppliers, with tools for quotes, orders, and logistics. It’s built around real product and service transactions between companies.
What it isn’t: an app for “click tasks”, “VIP commission levels”, “deposits to unlock payouts”, or private payments to “mentors”. If someone is asking for that, they’re abusing the brand – it’s not Alibaba.
Where and how to report it
- Your bank: contact customer support immediately, explain that you suspect a scam, ask for a block and instructions for a dispute or chargeback.
- Police: file an official report and attach all your evidence. Prepare a timeline of what happened and a list of all payments.
- Apps/platforms: report the accounts and groups in WeChat, WhatsApp, Facebook, etc., and include screenshots and links.
Note: These are general, informational tips. For formal legal steps, always follow the advice of the relevant authorities or a legal professional.
Frequently asked questions
Are “VIP 1/2/3” and “task commissions” official Alibaba programs?
No. This is not part of Alibaba.com’s business model. It is a misuse of the brand and a typical scam.
They say I must make a “final payment” to unlock my payout. Should I pay?
No. This is the most common trick – “just one last step” – after which they disappear. Stop paying immediately and keep all your evidence.
How can I check the link they sent me?
Check the domain – it must be alibaba.com. Watch for tiny spelling changes and redirects. If you’re not sure, don’t enter any data and don’t pay.
I only paid small amounts (for example 500 RSD). Does that matter?
Yes – that’s still part of the scam. Small payments are used to “pull you into the game”. Stop sending money, inform your bank, and report the case.
Can I get my money back?
It depends on how you paid, how much time has passed, and your bank’s procedures. Contact your bank immediately, file a dispute, and follow their instructions.
Conclusion: Learn, double‑check, and never send private payments
The stories from Danijel, Vesna, and Nada clearly show that “task commissions”, “VIP packages”, and private payments are not a legitimate way of working with Alibaba.com. If someone tells you that you just need “one more payment to unlock your earnings”, remember: real payouts do not depend on sending money to private accounts. Always verify links, ask for proper company details and contracts, and talk to someone you trust before paying.
If you’d like us to look at an offer or communication you received, send us the details (links, screenshots). It’s always better to ask one more question than to lose your money. Stay sceptical, don’t let anyone rush you, and be extra careful with anything that sounds too good to be true.
This article is for information and consumer education. For official procedures and legal steps, always contact the relevant authorities.
Quality Control Guide
Contracts and Quality Control in China
Golden sample, PO, key contract clauses, and types of inspections before shipping from China – how to protect quality and delivery times.
Quality control and the AQL standard
AQL standard, inspection levels (I, II, III), what critical/major/minor defects are, and how practical quality control in China works in real life.
Pre-shipment Inspection in China: How We Work
What a professional inspection looks like: visual checks, specification verification, and functional testing. A documented example with a 100+ page report that our client receives.
Customs and import rules for China
Go back to the guides on customs clearance and paperwork.
← Back to CustomsShipping from China
After choosing the product, supplier, and arranging quality control, the next step is organizing transport.
Continue to Shipping →Back to: ← Quality control
Back to: ← China sourcing – starting point