In recent years, we’ve seen an explosion of online budget fashion stores. Shein established itself in the fashion industry by offering trending fashion at budget prices. The Chinese fast fashion retailer is popular among younger shoppers and delivers to over 150 countries.
It’s easy to get carried away with Shein’s low prices—but is it safe? Find out about the platform’s security features, potential safety breaches and how to stay secure while filling up your wardrobe.
What is Shein?
Shein was founded in 2008 by Chris Xu. The platform initially focused on selling wedding dresses. Over the years, it evolved into a women’s fashion brand and established a USP offering trending clothing at low prices.
Today, the retailer ships to multiple countries and is particularly popular with Gen Z audiences. Millennials are the second most likely generation to use Shein (Statista).
Is Shein legit?
Shein can often seem too good to be true, but in terms of its premise, the platform offers low-priced clothing and delivers it to each shopper’s doorstep. The company has a website and app, and its headquarters are in Singapore.
So, we can safely say that Shein isn’t a scam. Unfortunately, it has attracted some controversies, mainly concerning product concerns and the company’s environmental impact.
Is shopping on the Shein website safe?
While no website will ever be 100% secure, Shein adheres to industry standards and implements various security measures to protect consumers. The website offers a range of safety features, including:
- Data Encryption: HTTPS encryption protects personal and payment information by ensuring the security of all data shared between users and the website.
- Account Protection: The platform offers protection features, including strong password requirements and two-factor authentication (2FA).
- Privacy Policy: The site has a comprehensive privacy policy outlining how the company collects, uses and shares user data.
- Secure Browsing: Shein’s website is regularly scanned for vulnerabilities and uses advanced security measures to prevent hacking and phishing attacks.
- Customer Support: Shein provides customer support to assist users with security concerns or issues. Shoppers can access support through email, chat, or phone.
- Regular Updates: The site is regularly updated to patch any security vulnerabilities and to improve overall security features.
- Fraud Prevention: Shein employs fraud detection systems to monitor transactions and identify suspicious activities, helping to prevent fraudulent purchases.
What about the Shein App?
Shein implements security standards on its dedicated app, including data encryption, account security, regular updates and fraud prevention measures.
The app requests only necessary permissions to function, reducing the risks of unauthorised access to user data. Users can review and manage these permissions through their device settings.
Shein payment options
As with any online store, you’ll need to enter your payment information when purchasing items. Unfortunately, most online fraud cases happen during these transactions, making secure payments a must for any savvy consumer.
Let’s take a look at the payment options Shein offers.
Credit and debit cards
The platform accepts major credit and debit cards, including MasterCard, Visa and American Express. These payments go through secure payment gateways to protect your card information. Using a credit or debit card will never be completely safe, as the platform still processes your payment details.
PayPal
PayPal is a popular payment method for online shoppers as it provides an extra layer of security. You don’t need to enter your card details, and the platform offers a Purchase Protection Program, increasing security. If someone accesses your PayPal account, they can get hold of your payment information.
Apple Pay and Google Pay
Both Apple Pay and Google Pay facilitate speedy and secure transactions through smartphones. They use tokenization to prevent people from accessing your payment details, but they aren’t invincible. Many people choose to add prepaid virtual cards to their accounts, strengthening security.
Buy Now, Pay Later
Buy now, pay later services let customers split their purchases into convenient monthly instalments. Shein partners with the most popular providers, including Klarna, Afterpay and Clearpay, which all have security features. Again, if someone hacks your account, they can steal your card information.
Gift cards and Shein Wallet
Users can make purchases with Shein gift cards, which don’t require payment information. Shein Wallet lets you store refunds and credits for future purchases. It doesn’t store your card information but can only be used if you have existing credit.
Shein safety and security issues
While Shein implements an array of security measures, some risks will always be associated with using the platform. Many consumers have concerns regarding whether the company’s security measures are enough to keep them safe.
Let’s explore the security risks of shopping with Shein.
Shein Pop-Ups
Shopping on Shein means you can access affordable prices, but the sheer number of third-party pop-ups can be a dealbreaker for consumers.
The company’s privacy policy states that it might share your information with third parties, but clicking on a pop-up could redirect you to a dangerous website. These websites can have viruses and malware and expose you to phishing scams.
Privacy and data security
Shein experienced a data breach in 2018, exposing the personal information of over six million customers. After the breach, Shein integrated more security measures, including two-factor authentication and encryption protocols.
While the platform increased security, it’s not impenetrable, and many consumers lost faith in Shein after the breach.
Consumer protection
Shein has received many complaints regarding the quality of products and misleading advertisements. Most negative Shein reviews occur due to not receiving refunds despite returning products and a customer support centre that uses unhelpful chatbots.
In response to complaints, the company increased its social media support, but there are still issues concerning product quality and failure to support many customers.
Concerns about Shein’s business practices
As an internationally recognised online retailer, Shein isn’t completely immune to criticism. Its USP lies in providing customers with a wide selection of cheap clothes and accessories.
Understanding the concerns surrounding the company’s business practices will help you decide whether to shop with the retailer.
Product quality
Fast-fashion companies have to cut corners and keep their prices low, and Shein is no exception. Research and product testing shows that the company’s clothing might contain harmful chemicals.
According to Greenpeace, a German study found that 15% of Shein products contain chemicals that break EU regulations. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) tested Shein products and found that sound items contained high lead levels.
A notable investigation by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) in 2021 tested several Shein products and found that some items contained lead levels exceeding Health Canada’s safety guidelines.
While the company claims it’s committed to meeting international safety standards, these issues highlight a problem with low-quality items.
Labor practices
Fast fashion benefits consumers on a budget, but shopping with Shein raises some ethical concerns. The company depends on cheap labour to create its items, and investigations show that many employees have poor working conditions.
In 2020, Public Eye assessed the working conditions in factories that produced Shein clothing. Employees faced 75-hour work weeks, low pay, and unsafe environments.
A follow-up investigation two years later showed that the company hadn’t made significant improvements despite stating that it would do so.
Environmental impact
Another downside of fast fashion is its environmental impact. Shein’s business model encourages rapid consumption and disposal of clothing, contributing to significant waste and pollution.
Shein’s vast inventory and frequent product launches drive a culture of disposable fashion. Many of its products are made from synthetic materials, such as polyester, which come from petroleum and aren’t biodegradable.
It’s also essential to remember that global shipping causes high carbon emissions. Due to its environmental impact, the company’s Shein Cares campaign backfired with some consumers and organisations.
How to stay safe on Shein
Despite some security concerns, many customers highly recommend Shein because of its low cost. Knowing how to stay safe online means you can access fashionable items without worrying about your personal information.
Use secure payment methods
Add extra security to your transactions by avoiding entering your card details directly. Using Google Pay or Apple Pay reduces the risk of fraud. If you want absolute peace of mind, adding a Getsby Virtual Green Card to your account means you can make online transactions without worrying.
Prepaid virtual cards don’t link to your bank account; you preload them before spending. They also leverage advanced tokenisation measures and use MasterCard 3D Secure 2.0.
Protect your Shein account
Always use strong passwords for your Shein account, and make sure they don’t match your other passwords. Using the same code across multiple websites means hackers can easily access your information.
Monitoring your accounts frequently and checking for unauthorised charges is also essential. Most banks and digital payment platforms offer protection and might issue a refund if you prove you didn’t authorise a transaction.
Make sure you use two-factor authentication and other available features.
Keep it smart
Common sense makes a big difference when shopping with Shein. If you have the app, regularly update the software to access the latest security features. Never make online transactions through a public network, as it can expose your information to hackers.
Only use your private WiFi connection, and make sure you access discounts through the Shein website. Phishing scams often replicate Shein’s logo and branding and ask you to click on a link, but the scammers can access your personal details.
Will Shein become safer in the future?
Technology continues to evolve, and online retailers can provide customers with advanced security measures.
Yes, Shein has some problems surrounding its previous data breach and operational concerns, but its ability to adapt and align with consumer demands means the platform should implement better security features when possible.
Shein has taken steps to address some of the concerns raised by consumers and advocacy groups. The company pledges to increase transparency, improve working conditions, and adopt more sustainable practices.
As we move forward, we can expect to see Shein incorporate or strengthen the following security measures:
Enhanced cybersecurity infrastructure
As with most other businesses, Shein will probably increase its spending on advanced security systems and tools to prevent future breaches.
The backlash from the 2018 data breach means the company continues to face increased scrutiny, and security audits will be intrinsic to reducing the risks of cyber attacks.
Data privacy and protection
Data protection laws, including the CCPA and GDPR, require companies to clearly communicate how they collect, use and store data. Comprehensive plans must be in place to prevent security incidents and showcase data protection practices.
As more countries implement stronger laws, Shein—like other companies—must align its practices with them.
Building consumer trust
It’s no secret that Shein’s data breach and lack of customer support worsened the company’s image, but higher security levels will reduce the risks of attacks in the future. Introducing live chat options enhanced customer support levels, but there’s still a long way to go.
Another significant concern is how the company treats its employees. While representatives claimed they’d improve conditions for workers in China, it’s still unclear if they’ll make lasting changes.
The bottom line
As you can see, there’s no black-or-white answer as to whether Shein is safe. From an online shopping perspective, the platform does pose some risks to consumers, including data breaches and unsecured accounts.
Implementing your own security methods, including virtual cards and digital wallets, is the best way to safeguard your payment information and take control of your account activity.
Other key concerns include using hazardous chemicals, which could cause health issues in consumers and ethical practices that could prevent shoppers from using the brand.
On the other hand, consumers can take advantage of affordable merchandise, beauty products, and trending clothing. All customers receive a delivery date, which can take up to 10 days after their initial purchase.
Consumers must weigh the benefits of affordable fashion against the potential risks and ethical considerations. If you decide to use Shein, take extra security precautions and secure your account with virtual cards.
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