Podqi is an AI-powered platform that protects brands from intellectual property infringement across the digital landscape. We automatically detect counterfeits, remove unauthorized listings, and help convert enforcement into revenue opportunities. Our technology monitors thousands of platforms simultaneously, allowing brands to protect their reputation, preserve customer trust, and secure their bottom line with minimal manual effort.

Podqi’s digital AI agents scan thousands of platforms for your brand’s IP infringements, automatically prioritizing and taking action on counterfeits. Our system learns your visual identity, continuously monitors for unauthorized uses, and streamlines enforcement—from marketplace takedowns to cease and desist letters—all while you maintain control with minimal manual effort.

How long does it take to see results?

Most clients see significant results within the first week. For example, our typical customer identifies hundreds of infringements within days and completes their first automated takedowns within 72 hours of onboarding.

What types of intellectual property does Podqi protect?

Podqi protects various forms of IP including trademarks, product designs, imagery, and brand likeness. Our visual recognition technology is particularly effective at identifying subtle modifications counterfeiters make to evade traditional detection.

How does Podqi handle international marketplaces?

Our platform monitors and enforces across global marketplaces and websites in multiple languages. We protect your brand wherever it appears, regardless of geographic location or platform origin.

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Is TikTok Shop Safe? What You Need to Know Before You Buy

Nearly half of TikTok Shop users have encountered scams. Here's how to spot fakes and shop safely.

Is TikTok Shop Safe? What You Need to Know Before You Buy

Last month, a woman in London ordered four dresses from a TikTok Shop seller for a friend's wedding. She paid £150. Ten days later, nothing arrived. When she followed up, the tracking suddenly showed "delivered," but the photo was of an address nowhere near her home. The seller offered a refund, then demanded she pay £30 in shipping fees to get her money back. Then they stopped responding entirely. She only recovered her money through a bank chargeback.

She's not alone. One estimate suggests nearly half of TikTok Shop users have encountered some form of scam on the platform. In another case, a couple lost their life savings, tens of thousands of dollars, after falling for a fraudulent reseller using fake endorsement videos.

TikTok Shop has exploded. Over 71 million Americans made purchases on the platform in 2025, and US sales hit nearly $16 billion, up over 100% from the year before. The app that started as a place for dance videos is now one of the fastest-growing shopping destinations in the country.

But with that growth comes a question a lot of shoppers are asking: is TikTok Shop actually safe?

The short answer is that TikTok Shop itself is a legitimate platform with real buyer protections. The longer answer is that like any massive marketplace, it has a scam problem, and knowing what to watch for can save you money, frustration, and potentially your personal information.

What Makes TikTok Shop Risky

TikTok Shop hosts over 15 million sellers globally. Most are legitimate small businesses and creators. But scammers have figured out how to exploit the platform's viral nature, and they're getting more sophisticated.

1. Counterfeit products are everywhere. Some sellers list fake versions of popular products using stolen photos and descriptions. The item looks real in the listing, but what arrives is a cheap knockoff or nothing at all. This is especially common in beauty and health products, which make up over 80% of TikTok Shop sales in the US. Counterfeit skincare and cosmetics can contain harmful ingredients that cause allergic reactions or worse.

2. Fake seller accounts. Scammers create profiles that look like legitimate brands, copying logos, usernames, and even reposting official content. If you're not paying close attention, it's easy to think you're buying from the real company.

3. Bait-and-switch tactics. A seller advertises one product in their video but ships something completely different, usually smaller, cheaper, or used. By the time you realize what happened, the seller may have already disappeared.

4. Phishing and fake websites. Some scams try to move you off TikTok entirely. You might see an ad or message directing you to what looks like a TikTok Shop checkout page, but it's actually a fake site designed to steal your payment information. Security researchers have identified over 15,000 domains impersonating TikTok Shop.

5. AI-generated deception. Scammers are now using AI to create fake product videos, synthetic reviews, and even deepfake endorsements. A video that looks like a real person reviewing a product might be entirely generated by software.

How to Shop Safely on TikTok Shop

TikTok has built-in protections (secure payment processing, buyer protection policies, and seller verification) but they're not foolproof. Here's how to protect yourself:

1. Check the seller, not just the product. Before buying, tap through to the seller's profile. Look at their ratings, how long they've been active, and whether they have a verification badge. Sellers marked as "Star Shop" have consistently good performance. Be skeptical of new accounts with no reviews or suspiciously perfect ratings.

2. Compare prices. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. A $200 product listed for $20 is almost certainly a counterfeit or a scam. Do a quick search to see what the item normally costs from trusted retailers.

3. Read the reviews carefully. Fake reviews tend to be generic, short, and lack specific details. Authentic reviews often include photos or videos from actual buyers. Check the dates too: a flood of identical 5-star reviews posted on the same day is a red flag.

4. Never pay outside the app. TikTok Shop's payment system is encrypted and offers buyer protection. If a seller asks you to pay through Venmo, PayPal, crypto, or any method outside the app, it's a scam. You'll have no recourse if something goes wrong.

5. Be wary of links in messages. Scammers may message you directly with "exclusive deals" or "order issues" that require clicking a link. These often lead to phishing sites. Legitimate order communications happen through TikTok's official notifications.

6. Stick to sellers with return policies. Check the "Shipping & returns" section before buying. Many TikTok Shop products are covered by free returns, but not all. If a seller has no return policy or makes returns difficult, think twice.

7. Use a credit card, not a debit card. Credit cards offer better fraud protection. If you do get scammed, disputing a charge is easier than recovering money directly from your bank account.

What to Do If You Get Scammed

If you receive a counterfeit, defective, or missing order:

Contact the seller first through TikTok's messaging system. Some issues are honest mistakes that sellers will fix.
File a dispute through TikTok Shop's buyer protection program. Document everything with photos and screenshots.
Report the seller using the in-app reporting feature (tap Share > Report). This helps TikTok remove bad actors.
Contact your bank if you suspect fraud or can't resolve the issue through TikTok. Initiate a chargeback if necessary.

So, Is TikTok Shop Worth It?

TikTok Shop can be a great place to discover products and support small creators, if you shop smart. The platform itself isn't a scam, but it does attract scammers like any large marketplace. The key is approaching it the same way you would any online shopping: verify sellers, be skeptical of deals that seem too good, and never share payment information outside the app.

The convenience of buying something you saw in a 30-second video is real. Just make sure you're buying from someone who's actually going to send you what you paid for.

If you're a brand dealing with counterfeits on TikTok Shop, the problem looks different from the seller side. Learn how scams are affecting brands and what you can do to protect your products and customers. Podqi helps brands automate IP protection across TikTok Shop and 100+ other marketplaces.