Fake China Post Tracking Number:
9 Practical Ways to Spot Shipping Scams

Because of its low cost, China Post is one of the most commonly used shipping methods for online sellers.Have you ever checked a tracking number provided by a seller and seen normal updates at first—only to find that the tracking stops moving after a while? Or even worse, the status suddenly shows “Delivered,” but nothing ever arrives.

In many cases, these are fake or misleading tracking numbers. By the time buyers realize something is wrong, it is often too late to trace the seller or recover the loss.

This guide explains how fake China Post tracking numbers work, how to spot them early, and what to do if you’ve already been affected.

What Is a Fake China Post Tracking Number?

A fake China Post tracking number is a tracking number created by scammers to make buyers believe that a package has already been shipped, when in fact no real shipment exists.

A valid China Post tracking number follows a standard format: it starts with two letters, ends with two letters, and contains nine numbers in between, such as RA123456789CN.

Fake or misleading tracking numbers are often designed to look real at first glance. In practice, they usually fall into one of the following situations:

1.Similar Format, Invalid or Completely Made-Up Numbers

Scammers often provide a tracking number at an early stage to make it look like the order has already been shipped. In simple cases, the number is entirely made up and consists of random digits that do not exist in any postal system.Others try to copy the general China Post format by combining letters and numbers.For example,ZZ123456789CN. Although it appears similar to a real China Post number, it is invalid and cannot be verified through official tracking channels.

2.Pre-Generated Tracking Numbers

In this situation, the tracking number provided by the seller is valid and can be found on official tracking websites, but the goods have not actually been shipped.This can be very risky. By the time buyers realize that the tracking information has not updated for a long time,the refund or dispute window may be close to closing.

3.Tracking Numbers From Someone Else’s Package

In this case, scammers provide a tracking number that is valid and shows real-time updates. However, the tracking information actually belongs to someone else’s package.To confirm this, you need to contact the carrier directly and verify the delivery address associated with the tracking number.

4.Real Tracking Number, Wrong Address

In this case, scammers ship a real package with a low-value item inside and provide you with a valid tracking number. However, the package is delivered to a nearby address instead of your actual delivery address.This works because some e-commerce platforms only check whether the postal code matches, rather than verifying the full delivery address.

9 Ways to Identify Fake China Post Tracking Numbers

1.Tracking Number Format

A typical China Post tracking number consists of two service letters (such as RA, EE, LZ), followed by 9 digits, and ending with CN (indicating shipment from China).You can visit the official China Post website and enter the tracking number to check its status. If it is valid, the current location of the package will be displayed. You can also use other tracking services, such as:17track and Parcels app.

You can contact China Post customer care for assistance. Click the live chat button at the bottom right corner of the homepage to inquire online.Alternatively, you can call the China Post contact phone numbers at +86 10 11183 or +86 10 11185 for assistance.

Important: A correct format does NOT guarantee the parcel was actually shipped. Scammers often generate valid-looking tracking numbers that were never handed to China Post.

2.Package Tracking Status

Check whether the tracking updates within 7 days after shipment, or it continuously shows “shipped” for several weeks, this is a common scam and indicates that the package has likely never been shipped.

Another red flag is when tracking suddenly jumps from China to “Delivered” overnight. International shipping usually takes 5–15 days, so this often means the tracking number has been misused or stolen.

3.Tracking Shows Delivered, but You Haven’t Received the Package

For example, suppose you ordered a product worth $200. The tracking initially updates normally, but after a while, it shows Delivered—for instance, on December 30 at 16:05. However, you cannot find the package. In reality, a small envelope or low-value item may have been sent to another address within your postal code.

1.Online Checks

Check the package weight: Make sure it matches the weight of the product you purchased.
Contact the carrier: Call the official hotline to verify if the tracking number was delivered to

2.Offline Checks

Ask neighbors: See if anyone received an unusual package on your behalf.
Check cameras or doorbells: Verify if a delivery person actually came during the reported delivery time.

4.Cannot be Found on the Official Website, but Shows on Third-Party Sites

If a tracking number only appears on third-party sites but not on the official China Post website, it should be treated as high risk. The official China Post website is the authoritative source. If you receive a tracking number, never click links in emails or text messages. Instead, manually enter the number and check it on multiple platforms to verify its validity.

Such as:

5.Tracking Number Created Before Payment

Compare the tracking creation date with your payment time. If the tracking number is provided on or before the day you made the payment, this usually does not follow normal order logic.

It is recommended to ask the seller for a photo of the package or the shipping label with the date of shipment. If the seller cannot provide this, it is considered a high-risk fake tracking number.

6.Shipping Method Does Not Match Package Size or Weight

A typical example: you purchase a 5 kg product, but the seller claims it will be sent via China Post small parcel.

In reality, China Post small parcels have strict weight limits. The shipping method offered does not match the product size. Large shipments should use commercial courier or dedicated express services.

7.Tracking information templates

Common Signs of Fake Tracking Numbers:

Common Signs of Fake Tracking Numbers
Time: Shows only the date, without the exact hour or minute.
Customs Information: No record of export clearance.
Delivery Confirmation: Shows “Delivered,” but provides no recipient or signature information.

8.Unusually Low Price

If the product you purchase is more than 50% cheaper than similar items, the seller account is less than 3 months old, has low sales, and all reviews are positive, you should be cautious.

Such accounts are often created by scammers who use low prices or limited-time promotions to attract buyers. Payments made in these cases usually cannot be directly refunded to your account. Sellers meeting these conditions are often fraudulent.

9.Unable to Provide China Post Proof of Shipment or Clear Shipping Label Photo

After purchasing, you can request the seller to provide a China Post acceptance receipt or a photo of the shipping label. If they cannot provide this, it indicates that the shipment was likely never made.

What to check on the shipping label:

Whether the barcode is clear and spacing is normal.
Whether the CN suffix font is consistent.
Whether the recipient address is cropped or blurred.

What to Do If You Suspect a Fake Tracking Number？

1.Verify the Tracking Number

Step 1:check whether the tracking number follows the correct format. Verify the package status, detailed location,and timeline on the official China Post website.

Step 2: cross-check with third-party tracking sites. (After the package arrives in the U.S., a new USPS tracking number starting with 9 may be assigned.)

Step 3:if you have any doubts, contact China Post directly via online customer service or by phone.

China Post contact:

International hotline: +86 10 11183
Service hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Beijing Time, UTC+8)
Language support: Mainly Chinese, limited English support available

2.Request Proof from the Seller

If the tracking information seems suspicious, contact the seller and ask for proof of shipment, such as:

Package photos (including a clear shipping label)
Shipping receipts from the postal service showing the service type and shipment date

High-Risk Responses:

The seller does not respond to your requests
The seller claims they do not keep receipts.
They say the package has already been shipped and cannot provide photos.
They say the package has already been shipped and cannot provide photos.
They repeatedly ask you to wait, giving only estimated delivery times.

Normal Responses:

The seller provides the requested documents within 2 days.
Photos are clear, authentic, and verifiable.
The seller offers assistance to follow up and gives a concrete response.
The seller proactively offers reshipment or a refund if needed.

If a seller cannot provide a clear acceptance receipt or parcel photo within 48 hours, assume the shipment was never handed to China Post.

3.Stop Communication and Preserve Evidence

If you confirm that the tracking number is fake or the seller is a scammer, immediately take screenshots of all conversations, order information, receipts, and seller account details. Record all relevant dates and times for reference.

4.Submit a Claim or Complaint on the Platform

Amazon: Go to Orders → Problem with Order → Item Not Received and submit a claim. Refunds are usually processed within 48 hours. If denied, contact your credit card company to dispute the payment.

eBay: Go to Purchase History → More Actions → I Didn’t Receive It, submit a refund request, and provide proof of tracking issues. The platform may temporarily hold the seller’s funds during the review.

AliExpress: File a dispute within 15 days after delivery or before Buyer Protection expires. Choose “Item Not Received” or “Wrong Item,” and upload evidence screenshots. If the seller refuses a refund, escalate the case to AliExpress for mediation.

Etsy: First, try to negotiate with the seller. If they don’t respond, submit screenshots to Etsy, selecting “Item Not as Described” or “Item Not Received” to file a complaint.

5.Contact Your Payment Provider

If the platform does not resolve the issue, contact the service you used for payment and provide evidence:

Debit/Credit Card: Within 60 days, contact your card issuer’s fraud department to dispute the charge for items not received.
PayPal: Within 180 days, go to the Resolution Center, click “Report a Problem,” select “I didn’t receive my item,” and upload all evidence.
Wire Transfer / Gift Card / Cryptocurrency: Contact the FBI IC3 and report to local law enforcement immediately. Recovery of funds is often very difficult.

6.Consider Legal Action for Large Amounts

Small claims

If the amount exceeds $3,000 (varies by region) and you know the seller’s real identity and location, you can file a claim with a minimum application fee (usually around $30) and represent yourself. However, identifying overseas scammers is often very difficult for buyers.

Class action

If many people have been scammed by the same seller, you can search for the seller’s name + “class action.” If a lawsuit exists, consider joining it and consult a lawyer for guidance.

In reality, identifying overseas scammers is often difficult, so legal action is usually a last resort rather than the primary recovery method.

7.Help Others Avoid Scams

If possible, leave an honest review on the purchasing platform and share information about the seller on social media. This can help warn others and prevent them from falling victim to the same scam.

If your order amount exceeds $100, the product is hard to replace, the delivery is time-sensitive, or the platform has few reviews and you are not familiar with it, it is recommended to communicate with the seller before purchase.

Ask whether they support alternative shipping methods and whether you can pay extra for them. Based on your needs and budget, consider using services like DHL or FedEx to ensure the transaction goes smoothly and reduce the risk of delivery issues.

How to Protect Yourself from Fake China Post Tracking Numbers

First, when making a purchase, check the seller’s reviews or search their name on social media. If there are reports of fake tracking numbers or discrepancies between the tracking and the actual product, it is best to avoid dealing with them.

Second, always verify the tracking number provided by the seller using the steps outlined earlier. If you have any doubts, contact China Post or the courier immediately to confirm whether the shipment is real.

FAQ

1.What does a real China Post tracking number look like?

A valid China Post tracking number has 13 characters: 2 letters + 9 digits + 2 letters.Examples: LN123456789CN, EE123456789HK.

Different prefixes indicate different services and origins:

CN: International mail from China
EE / EB / RM: Registered mail and express services
LP: Parcels under 2 kg
AM: Light parcels used for ePacket (EMS Light)
AM: Light parcels used for ePacket (EMS Light)

2.Is a China Post tracking number always reliable?

No. Tracking numbers are often generated before the package is handed over to China Post. Sometimes the number exists, but the parcel has not actually been shipped.

3.Is China Post legit?

Yes, China Post is legit. It is the official postal service of China. Scammers sometimes use fake tracking numbers to trick buyers. Always verify tracking numbers on the official China Post website and third-party tracking tools.

4.How long does China Post tracking take to update?

Typically, China Post packages are received and recorded within 1–5 days. If tracking shows “not shipped” for more than 7 days, contact the seller. You can also check the status on the official China Post website.

5. What if the tracking shows “Delivered” but I haven’t received the package?

Within 48 hours, confirm with your family and neighbors, and check surveillance footage around the delivery time.

If the package is still missing, contact the carrier, provide your real address, and verify whether the tracking number was delivered correctly. If there’s an error, request a written confirmation. Contact the seller with evidence to request a refund or reshipment.

6.Who delivers China Post packages in the USA?

In the U.S., the USPS handles about 98% of final deliveries for China Post. If the seller upgrades shipping, private couriers like UPS or FedEx may handle delivery.

7. How long does China Post take?

Delivery time varies depending on destination and shipping method:

the U.S:

EMS Express: 5–10 days
ePacket: 10–20 days
Registered Airmail:15–30 days
Surface mail: 60–90 days

During holidays (Chinese New Year, Singles’ Day, Christmas), add 1–2 weeks.

8. If a China Post tracking number is fake, can USPS help?

No. If the package was never shipped or the tracking number is fake, USPS cannot investigate or resolve the issue. Contact the seller or file a claim on the platform to request a refund.

Conclusion

Scammers frequently use fake China Post tracking numbers in cross-border e-commerce to deceive buyers. To avoid becoming a victim, stay vigilant, especially for high-value purchases. Always research the seller before buying, verify tracking after purchase, and take immediate action if anything seems suspicious. This helps reduce loss and contributes to a safer online shopping environment.

In cross-border transactions where buyers lack direct visibility into the shipping process, independent verification and proactive communication remain the most effective defenses against logistics fraud.

For high-value or time-sensitive orders, choosing verified sellers and reliable shipping methods can significantly reduce risk.

If you need a secure, end-to-end shipping solution with transparent tracking, feel free to contact us.

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Fake China Post Tracking Number: 9 Practical Ways to Spot Shipping Scams

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