100% Anti-Scam

Influencer Scams: How to Avoid Falling into the Trap?

"Hi darlings, hi loves...
it often starts like this!!!
A familiar voice, a smile, then a promise that makes you want to click too fast."

Influencers are everywhere on social media, touting the merits of products supposedly revolutionizing our daily lives.

But behind the beautiful promises sometimes hide real scams.

Poor quality products, abusive dropshipping, dubious partnerships…

In this article, we analyze these practices in detail and give you concrete advice on how not to get caught.

The Different Scams

by Influencers

1. Disguised Dropshipping.

Dropshipping itself isn’t a scam, but some influencers use it abusively.
They sell products bought for a few cents on platforms like AliExpress and resell them at exorbitant prices, claiming they are unique creations or high-end products.

2. Fake Reviews and Bogus Testimonials.

Many influencers share positive reviews of products simply because they are paid to do so, without even having tested them.
Some even go so far as to invent user testimonials to support their claims.

3. Sales scenario disguised as a real test.

What looks like a test is sometimes a staged setup designed to sell.
The results shown are carefully selected to appear perfect on screen.

A real test also shows the product’s limitations, not just its best moment.

Close-up of a blue button with 'Yes!' text on a beige background, perfect for communication themes.

Bad influencer
vs
passionate influencer

Not all creators are equal.

A passionate person shares an experience.

A seller creates desire.

A close-up of a red button with the word 'NO' on a beige background, emphasizing refusal or denial.

The bad influencer.

  • Constantly changes “favorite” product.

  • Mainly talks about emotions (“incredible”, “revolutionary”).

  • Never shows flaws.

  • Pushes you to buy immediately.

  • Gives no comparisons.

The passionate influencer.

  • Gastronomy enthusiast with rich culinary content.

  • Explains how it really works.

  • Shows the product in different situations.

  • Also talks about limitations.

  • Compares with other solutions.

  • Uses the product over time.

Pre-purchase checklist

Before buying a product recommended by an influencer, type its name into Google and check reviews on other sites.

Check if the same product isn’t sold cheaper elsewhere (Amazon), especially on Asian wholesale sites like Aliexpress, Alibaba, and Temu.

A serious site must have clear General Terms and Conditions of Sale (CGV) and contact information, especially for customer service!!!

A good influencer shows in-depth tests, concrete results, and compares with other products.
In general, you’ll find a true cooking enthusiast with rich gastronomic content.

If you come across a proven scam, report it to the relevant platforms (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube) and competent authorities (DGCCRF in France, FTC in the United States).

✔️ Is the product clearly explained, not just shown?

✔️ Does the video also show limitations or only the perfect result?

✔️ Does the creator actually use the product daily?

✔️ Do multiple independent sources confirm the same opinion?

✔️ Do the price and promise seem consistent?

✔️ Is the customer service truly professional?

Key Takeaways

Not all influencers are scammers.

But not all videos are tests.

A beautiful demonstration can sell an emotion.
It never guarantees quality.

At Ustensil’Home, we don't seek to follow trends.
We seek to understand what truly works once the camera is off.

Before buying, always ask yourself this question:

Am I seeing a real test… or a staged setup?

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