DHgate Tracking Number Invalid or Fake? What to Do Next

So you finally found the perfect deal on DHgate, placed your order, and waited patiently… only to discover your DHgate tracking number is invalid or fake.

Yikes.

Don’t panic just yet. In this complete 2025 guide, we’ll break down:

What a DHgate invalid tracking number really means
How to verify if it’s fake or just delayed
What steps to take next (and when to file a dispute)
Which tracking tools and support options are most effective

🚚 What Does “Invalid DHgate Tracking Number” Mean?

An invalid tracking number means the system can’t recognize your tracking code. It could be due to:

A mistyped number
A delay in courier database updates
The seller hasn’t shipped it yet
Or in the worst case — the number is fake

Let’s explore the difference between a real delay and an actual DHgate fake tracking number.

🧩 Reasons Why Your DHgate Tracking Number Appears Invalid

Possible Reason	Explanation
Too Early to Track	It may take 24–72 hours for tracking to go live after shipping.
Wrong Tracking Number Entered	Typos happen — double-check your copy-paste.
Courier Not Yet Picked Up the Package	Seller printed a label but hasn’t dropped off the item.
Tracking Number Not Real (Fake)	Some bad sellers provide non-existent or recycled tracking codes.
Wrong Carrier Used to Track	You may be checking the wrong website (e.g., USPS instead of YunExpress).

🔍 How to Check if a DHgate Tracking Number Is Fake or Real

Use these 3 simple steps:

✅ Step 1: Use a Universal Tracking Site

Sites like 17Track.net or ParcelMonitor auto-detect the carrier and show real-time status.

Go to 17Track
Paste your tracking number
Click “Track”
If no result appears after 3 days — it might be fake

✅ Step 2: Cross-Check Carrier Manually

Identify the format of your tracking number to know the courier:

Tracking Format	Likely Carrier	Example
YT + 16 digits	YunExpress	YT1234567890123456
Starts with “RR/LX” & ends with “CN”	China Post / 4PX	RR123456789CN
10-digit numeric	DHL	1234567890
20–22 digit numeric	USPS	9400110899923451234567

Go to the correct courier site and check manually.

✅ Step 3: Ask the Seller for Confirmation

Message the seller on DHgate:

“Can you confirm this tracking number is valid and has been shipped?”
Ask for a screenshot of the courier portal showing your order in transit

If they avoid your question or delay, it could be a red flag.

🛑 Signs Your DHgate Tracking Number Might Be Fake

Red Flag	What It Means
Status says “Label Created” for 7+ days	Package hasn’t been handed to courier
Seller doesn’t respond to tracking questions	They may be avoiding accountability
No tracking updates after 5 business days	High chance of invalid or unshipped package
Number pulls up someone else’s shipment	Seller reused an old tracking number (report immediately)
Doesn’t work on any tracking site	Likely a fake number

📩 What to Do If Your DHgate Tracking Number Is Invalid

🧠 Step-by-Step Action Plan

Action	When to Do It
Wait 48–72 hours	After receiving the tracking number
Try multiple tracking sites	If one site doesn’t recognize it
Contact the seller	If status hasn’t updated in 3 days
Escalate to DHgate support	If seller is unresponsive or dishonest
File a dispute	If no updates after 7–10 business days

🔒 How to File a DHgate Dispute (If Tracking Is Fake)

Go to My Orders
Select the order
Click “Open Dispute”
Choose reason: “Invalid or Fake Tracking Number”
Attach screenshots of:
- Tracking site results
- Conversation with seller
Submit and wait for DHgate’s review

🧠 Pro Tip: Be polite and detailed — DHgate tends to favor buyers with proof.

⚠️ Can DHgate Sellers Fake Tracking Numbers?

Unfortunately, yes — especially in low-cost listings or high-volume flash sales.

Why Would Sellers Fake Tracking?

Buy time until stock is available
Avoid refund requests
Intentionally scam buyers (though rare)

🔐 How to Avoid Fake Tracking Numbers in the Future

Tip	Why It Helps
Buy from Top-Rated Sellers	They have lower dispute and fake tracking rates
Read Seller Reviews	Look for mentions of shipping or fake tracking
Use Registered Shipping Methods	DHL, ePacket, or tracked services are more reliable
Save screenshots of everything	Helps during disputes
Check for Verified Brand Badges	Indicates better seller accountability

📲 Best Sites & Tools to Verify DHgate Tracking Numbers

Tool/Site	Use Case
17Track.net	Best all-in-one tracking
Track24.net	Useful for checking obscure carriers
AfterShip.com	Great for email alerts & historical updates
Cainiao.com	Ideal for Alibaba/DHgate tracking
Courier’s Official Site	Final verification step

🧠 Real-World Example: Fake vs Real DHgate Tracking

Fake Example:

Tracking: YT0000000000000000
Status stuck at “Label Created” for 10 days
Seller avoids messages
Tracking invalid on all platforms

Real Example:

Tracking: YT1987654321987654
Shows movement from China to U.S.
Updates every 2–3 days
Delivered within 15 days

🙋‍♂️ FAQ – DHgate Tracking Number Invalid or Fake

1. Why is my DHgate tracking number not working?

It may not be live yet, or it could be a fake number. Wait 48–72 hours and verify across multiple tracking sites.

2. How long should I wait before assuming it’s fake?

Typically, if no update shows after 5 business days, it’s time to contact the seller or support.

3. Can DHgate sellers fake tracking numbers?

Yes, it happens. Always buy from reputable sellers.

4. What does “label created” mean?

The seller has prepared the shipment, but it hasn’t been handed to the courier yet.

5. What should I do if a tracking number pulls up a different person’s order?

Open a dispute immediately — the number is likely reused or fraudulent.

6. Where can I check if my tracking number is valid?

Use 17Track, Track24, or the courier’s official website.

7. What does an invalid tracking number look like?

Often it’s too short, doesn’t match the courier’s format, or doesn’t register on any site.

8. Can I get a refund if my tracking number is fake?

Yes, file a dispute with DHgate and provide all supporting proof.

9. How long does DHgate take to resolve disputes?

Usually 5–10 business days depending on evidence and response from the seller.

10. Is it safe to buy from DHgate again after this?

Yes, just stick to verified sellers with positive shipping feedback.

11. Can I get help without a DHgate account?

Yes. If you ordered as a guest, contact DHgate support with your order confirmation email.

12. Why does my tracking number keep showing “Not Found”?

The package likely hasn’t been scanned yet — give it 2–3 days.

13. How do I identify the correct carrier for tracking?

Check the format of your tracking number and match it with known patterns.

14. Is DHgate responsible for fake tracking numbers?

If the seller misleads you, DHgate’s Buyer Protection may cover your loss.

15. Can I report a seller for fake tracking?

Yes, during the dispute process. DHgate monitors seller behavior and can penalize violators.

✅ Final Thoughts

A DHgate tracking number showing as invalid doesn’t always mean the worst — but you shouldn’t ignore it.

Use the steps in this guide to:

Verify your tracking
Identify red flags
Take smart actions (contacting seller, filing a dispute)
And protect your money

Next time, stick with top-rated sellers, choose trackable shipping methods, and bookmark this guide for reference.

🛡️ Shopping smart on DHgate is totally doable — especially when you’re armed with the right knowledge.