Don’t Get Duped By Viral Shein Reviewer Scams Offering Rewards
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
Have you seen those social media ads offering $750 Shein gift cards in exchange for reviewing products? At first glance, it seems like an amazing opportunity to score free clothes and make easy money from home. But is this viral deal from “Shein Product Testers” too good to be true?
Read on to uncover the truth behind these online offers making big promises of rewards just for giving your opinion on the latest clothing and accessory hauls…
An In-Depth Look at the Shein Reviewer Scam
A clever social media scam promises big rewards like gift cards and free clothes to unsuspecting Shein shoppers willing to review products as a Shein “Product Tester.” But the tantalizing chance is an elaborate hoax.
The offers typically promote an exclusive opportunity to earn up to $750 in Shein gift cards simply by testing and reviewing new styles as they are released. Some versions even claim you can keep all the clothes tested for free as an extra perk.
To lure in victims, the social ads copy Shein’s branding and imagery to appear credible. Enticing headlines invite shoppers to click on links leading to sophisticated fake websites dressed up to precisely mimic Shein’s real online store.
On these fraudulent sites, users are prompted to enter their name, email address and contact details to register as a product tester, thinking this will start the process of receiving free items from Shein to evaluate. In reality, it just gives scammers personally identifiable data to target victims moving forward.
Right after individuals submit their information to the bogus sites, they receive phishing emails crafted to appear as official Shein Tester communications. These messages provide instructions to complete additional steps before any rewards can supposedly be redeemed.
The emails direct recipients to various outside websites and offers deceptively labeled as “Free Trial Signups,” “Survey Completion,” “Download Required App,” or similar activities.
Users must complete 2-3 of these offers before their $750 gift card can be unlocked, or so the scam emails claim. Examples of specific phony offers reported include:
Paid survey companies like SurveySparrow, SurveySensum, etc.
Suspicious downloads like VPN browser extensions
Free trial subscriptions for products unrelated to fashion/clothing
Requests to enter credit card or banking details to “pre-qualify”
Phone verification via text message services that auto-bill
In reality, these outside websites have nothing to do with Shein or verifying product testers. They are simply affiliate offers or hooks to expose visitors to malware, unwanted recurring charges, data harvesting, or other profit-driving scams.
Despite completing all requested steps, no rewards are ever received from Shein. The company has confirmed they are not currently operating any product tester panel programs, nor would they partner with random third-party websites as claimed by the scam offers.
Unfortunately, the professional branding and website cloning of this phishing scam tricks many people into believing it’s a legitimate opportunity endorsed by Shein. But the fake gift cards, free clothes hauls, and $750 payouts simply don’t exist.
Shein is actively working to detect and pursue legal action against scammers using their name to propagate fake rewards offers. But consumers must also exercise caution around schemes promising easy money or free products with little oversight. If an offer appears rife with red flags, your best bet is avoiding engagement entirely.
How the Shein Reviewer Scam Fools Users Step-by-Step
Here’s an inside look at the tactics scammers use at each step of this viral con:
Step 1: Deceptive Social Media Ads
The scam starts with ads on platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. Using Shein’s fonts and photos, they promote a special chance to earn $750 gift cards by reviewing new arrivals as a Shein “Product Tester.”
Some ads have fake reviews from satisfied testers. Others emphasize “LIMITED SPOTS!” or “24 HOURS ONLY!” to create false urgency and convince people to click through before thinking critically.
Step 2: Fake Shein Reviewer Website
Clicking the link in the ads takes users to counterfeit Shein websites made to precisely mimic the look and feel of the real Shein site.
While the URL may be slightly altered to include “review” or “producttest”, everything else from the logo to the product imagery is copied to dupe visitors into thinking they’re in the official tester portal.
Step 3: Submit Email to Register
On the fake site, users are prompted to enter their name, email address and contact details under the guise of registering as a tester.
In reality, this just gives scammers personally identifiable info and an email address to target victims moving forward.
Step 4: Phishing Emails Lead to Bogus Offers
Almost instantly after registering, victims receive crafted emails made to look like official Shein Tester communications.
These messages provide further instructions to complete 2-3 outside offers from their “Authorized Partners” before any rewards can be redeemed.
Step 5: Downloads, Trials and Surveys
The emails direct recipients to various websites under the guise of Survey Completion, Downloading Required Apps, Free Trial Signups, etc.
In reality, these sites have nothing to do with Shein. They’re simply affiliate offers designed to expose visitors to malware, unwanted charges, data harvesting, or other ploys to profit.
Step 6: No Rewards Ever Given
Despite jumping through all the scam’s hoops, no Shein gift cards or free product hauls ever arrive. Shein confirms they are not running any reviewer programs or authorizing third-parties to distribute rewards on their behalf.
The phishers bank on the small percentage who engage with their sham offers so they still profit from stolen data, downloads, referrals and subscription fees. Don’t become their next mark.
Spotting Red Flags of the Fake Shein Reviewer Offers
Despite the convincing presentation, certain red flags reveal these offers are 100% fake:
Bogus web domains – Shein’s real site is shein.com. Other variations are imitations.
Requesting personal info upfront – A real company would not ask for data before vetting reviewers.
Affiliate offers and downloads – Legit rewards programs don’t funnel you to outside subscription services.
Overly pushy or urgent language – This manufactures false scarcity to short-circuit critical thinking.
Vaguely referenced rewards – Details would be explicit if offers were real.
When scrutinized objectively, the scam’s real goal becomes obvious: steal data and drive affiliate conversions—not provide free products or gift cards. Listen to your instincts.
Steps to Take if You Shared Your Information
If you already supplied any personal information or engaged with the fake offers, immediately take these steps:
Contact Shein to report the scam misusing their brand. Provide details that could help pursue legal action.
Mark scam emails as phishing/spam to train your email’s filter. Prevents future scam messages from coming through.
Run anti-virus and malware scans on all devices that visited scam sites or downloaded files. Delete anything suspicious.
Place fraud alerts with credit bureaus and monitor statements closely for unauthorized charges.
Change passwords on any sites accessed through the scam offers. Opt for strong, unique passwords for all important accounts.
Act swiftly to cancel recurring fees or charges from any “free trial” subscriptions signed up for. Alert your payment provider of potential fraud.
Never supply additional personal information if scammers attempt to contact you again.
Is Your Device Infected? Run a Free Malware Scan
Slow performance, constant pop-ups, or strange behavior? These are classic signs of a malware infection. The fastest way to find out is to scan your device with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free — one of the most trusted malware removal tools available.
The free version detects and removes the most common threats, including:
Adware — the cause of those annoying pop-ups
Browser hijackers — unwanted redirects and changed homepages
Trojans and spyware — hidden programs stealing your data
Potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) — software you never asked for
👉 Select your device below — Windows, Mac, or Android — then follow the simple steps to download Malwarebytes, scan your system, and remove any threats it finds. The whole process takes about 5 minutes.
Malwarebytes for WindowsMalwarebytes for MacMalwarebytes for Android
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Windows
Malwarebytes is one of the most popular and trusted anti-malware tools for Windows — and it’s completely free for removing infections. It catches threats that many antivirus programs miss, including adware, browser hijackers, and trojans. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your PC in just a few minutes.
Download Malwarebytes
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows from the official source. The free version is all you need — it will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software at no cost.
(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)
Install Malwarebytes
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the MBSetup file. If Windows shows a User Account Control pop-up, click “Yes” to allow the installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:
Choose where you’re installing the program — “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” — then click Next.
Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.
When installation is complete, the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen will open automatically.
On the final screen, click Open Malwarebytes to launch the program.
Enable “Scan for Rootkits”
Before scanning, turn on rootkit detection so Malwarebytes can find even the most hidden threats. Click the Settings gear icon on the left side of the screen.
In the settings menu, find “Scan for rootkits” and click the toggle so it turns blue.
Done? Click “Dashboard” in the left pane to return to the main screen.
Start the Scan
Click the blue Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.
Wait for the Scan to Finish
The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take several minutes. Feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found — malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all of them at once.
Malwarebytes will now remove the malicious files and registry entries and move them safely into quarantine.
Restart Your Computer
Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, click Yes. Once you’re logged back in, your PC is clean and you can continue with the next steps in this guide.
When the scan finishes, click Quarantine to remove everything Malwarebytes found. That’s it — your Windows PC is now clean of trojans, adware, and other malware, and should be back to running smoothly.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Malwarebytes for Mac is a free on-demand scanner that removes the malware other security software tends to miss — adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted programs included. Cleaning an infected Mac with Malwarebytes has always been completely free, and it’s our go-to recommendation. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your Mac in just a few minutes.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Mac.
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the setup file to begin the installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The Malwarebytes for Mac Installer will guide you through a few quick screens. Click “Continue” and keep following the prompts until the installation completes.
When the installation is complete, Malwarebytes opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click “Get started“.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”
Malwarebytes will ask what type of computer you’re installing it on. Click either Personal Computer or Work Computer, whichever applies.
Start the Scan
Click the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its detection database and begin checking your Mac for malware.
Wait for the Scan to Finish
Malwarebytes will scan your Mac for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This can take a few minutes, so feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all the threats at once.
Restart Your Mac
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files it found. Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot — if Malwarebytes asks you to restart, allow it. Once you’re logged back in, your Mac is clean.
Once the scan is done, remove every threat it detected. Your Mac is now free of adware, rogue browser extensions, and other potentially harmful software.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Android
Malwarebytes for Android automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don’t have to worry about your most-used device being compromised. Aggressive detection of adware and potentially unwanted programs keeps your Android phone or tablet running smooth.
Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options. This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue. Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step. Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue. Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
Restart your phone.
Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.
After the scan, tap Remove Selected to delete all detected threats. Your Android phone is now clean — no more malicious apps, adware, or browser redirects.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
Now that your device is clean, keep it that way. Most infections start with a malicious ad or a fake download button — so blocking them at the source is your best defense.
We recommend AdGuard, which blocks malicious ads, phishing pages, and dangerous redirects before they can reach you.
Here are some tips to avoid falling for copycat fake reviewer scams:
Verify directly with brands before engaging third-party offers. Don’t rely on ads or messages.
Search online for scam reports about any offer that seems suspicious.
Read all disclaimers/terms carefully before providing info or downloading anything.
Check site URLs for minor variations signaling imitation domains.
Avoid entering sensitive info on unknown third-party websites.
If a deal seems too good to be true, it always is. No exceptions.
Staying vigilant requires work. But spotting scams gets easier with knowledge, critical thinking and common sense on your side.
FAQ About the Fake Shein Reviewer Scam
1. How does the Shein reviewer scam work?
The scam starts with social media ads offering rewards to review Shein products. The ads link to fake sites impersonating Shein. Users submit their email thinking they’ll get free items to review. Then they receive phishing messages guiding them through bogus offers under the guise of “verification”.
2. What tricks do the scammers use?
The ads use Shein branding/images to appear real. The fake sites closely replicate Shein’s design. Messages promise easy gift cards for feedback. Limited time offers create false urgency to bypass critical thinking.
3. What happens after submitting your email?
Soon after registering at the fake site, users get emails claiming more steps are required before Shein rewards can be unlocked. These lead to paid surveys, suspicious downloads, trials, and other profit-driving scams.
4. Do you get a Shein gift card?
No, those who comply with the scam never receive any Shein gift cards, cash, or product hauls. The rewards are completely fictional.
5. How can you recognize the fake offers?
Red flags include unbelievable rewards, grammar/spelling errors, bogus URLs, requests for info upfront, pushy language, vague details, and unverified third-party offers.
6. What if you already shared information?
Place fraud alerts, run security scans, monitor accounts closely, change passwords, cancel any charges, and contact Shein to report the scam immediately. Don’t share more personal data.
7. How can you avoid Shein scams?
Verify offers directly with brands. Search for scam reports online. Read all terms/disclaimers. Check URLs match exactly. Avoid entering info on sketchy sites. Follow instincts if it seems fake.
8. Who is responsible for the scam?
Unknown scammers unaffiliated with Shein. Shein is working to pursue legal action against impersonators misusing their brand.
9. Does Shein offer real rewards programs?
Shein has stated they currently do not offer any official paid tester opportunities or large gift card incentives through third parties.
10. What should you do if you see a suspicious Shein offer?
Shein advises reporting questionable ads, sites, or offers to their customer service team immediately to aid their scam investigation efforts. Do not engage.
The Bottom Line
The promise of easy cash and free clothes for reviewing Shein products sounds great. But in reality, these viral offers only lead to headaches and wasted time at best, or identity theft at worst.
As scammers’ tactics evolve, we must stay educated on their latest schemes. When an unbelievable social media deal pops up, fight the urge to click. Instead, scrutinize the opportunity objectively. Verify directly with brands before providing data or downloading anything. Listen to your instincts—if something seems amiss, close the tab.
A scam revealed is no longer a threat. By exposing these schemes for what they are, we can create a wiser social web rooted in transparency rather than deceit. Stay smart out there.
10 Rules to Avoid Online Scams
Here are 10 practical safety rules to help you avoid malware, online shopping scams, crypto scams, and other online fraud. Each tip includes a quick “if you already got hit” action.
Stop and verify before you click, log in, download, or pay.
Most scams win by creating urgency. Verify using a trusted method: type the website address yourself, use the official app, or call a known number (not the one in the message).
If you already clicked: close the page, do not enter passwords, and run a malware scan.
Keep your operating system, browser, and apps updated.
Updates patch security holes used by malware and malicious ads. Turn on automatic updates where possible.
If you saw a scary “update now” pop-up: close it and update only through your device settings or the official app store.
Use layered protection: antivirus plus an ad blocker.
Antivirus helps block malware. An ad blocker reduces scam redirects, phishing pages, and malvertising.
If your browser is acting weird: remove unknown extensions, reset the browser, then run a full scan.
Install apps, software, and extensions only from official sources.
Avoid cracked software, “keygens,” and random downloads. During installs, choose Custom/Advanced and decline bundled offers you do not recognize.
If you already installed something suspicious: uninstall it, restart, and scan again.
Treat links and attachments as untrusted by default.
Phishing often impersonates delivery services, banks, and popular brands. If it is unexpected, do not open attachments or log in through the message.
If you entered credentials: change the password immediately and enable 2FA.
Shop safely: research the store, then pay with protection.
Be cautious with brand-new stores, “closing sale” stories, and prices that make no sense. Prefer credit cards or PayPal for dispute options. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, and crypto payments.
If you already paid: contact your card issuer or PayPal quickly to dispute the transaction.
Crypto rule: never pay a “fee” to withdraw or recover money.
Common patterns include fake profits, then “tax,” “gas,” or “verification” fees. Another is a “recovery agent” who demands upfront crypto.
If you already sent crypto: stop paying, save evidence (wallet addresses, TXIDs, chats), and report the scam to the platform used.
Secure your accounts with unique passwords and 2FA (start with email).
Use a password manager and unique passwords for every account. Enable 2FA using an authenticator app when possible.
If you suspect an account takeover: change passwords, sign out of all devices, and review recent logins and recovery settings.
Back up important files and keep one backup offline.
Backups protect you from ransomware and device failure. Keep at least one backup on an external drive that is not always connected.
If you suspect infection: do not connect backup drives until the system is clean.
If you think you are a victim: stop losses, document evidence, and escalate fast.
Move quickly. Speed matters for disputes, account recovery, and limiting damage.
Stop payments and contact: do not send more money or respond to the scammer.
Call your bank or card issuer: block transactions, replace the card if needed, and start a dispute or chargeback.
Secure your email first: change the email password, enable 2FA, and remove unfamiliar recovery options.
Secure other accounts: change passwords, enable 2FA, and log out of all sessions.
Scan your device: remove suspicious apps or extensions, then run a full malware scan.
Save evidence: screenshots, emails, order pages, tracking pages, wallet addresses, TXIDs, and chat logs.
Report it: to the payment provider, marketplace, social platform, exchange, or wallet service involved.
These rules are intentionally simple. Most online losses happen when decisions are rushed. Slow down, verify independently, and use payment methods and account controls that give you recourse.
About Thomas Orsolya
Thomas is an expert at uncovering scams and providing in-depth reporting on cyber threats and online fraud. As an editor, he is dedicated to keeping readers informed on the latest developments in cybersecurity and tech.
