Shopee controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2024
Customers lose money in off-platform scams
Singapore police recorded 179 cases in which Shopee customers lost a combined S$399,000 after making payments outside the official application. The incident highlighted the risks of moving transactions away from Shopee’s protected environment.
2023
Impersonation job scams
Scammers posing as Shopee employees used fake online job approaches and caused reported losses exceeding S$750,000. Shopee and Singapore police issued a public warning.
2022
Rescinded employment offers
Reports on Chinese social media alleged that Shopee revoked employment offers after candidates had relocated to Singapore. Other users claimed they had resigned from jobs or ended housing arrangements in reliance on offers that were later withdrawn.
2022
Backlash over Toni Gonzaga endorsement
Shopee Philippines faced criticism after confirming Toni Gonzaga as an ambassador shortly after reports of major layoffs. The backlash concerned the timing, the cost of celebrity marketing and political associations connected with the endorser.
2021
Indonesian courier pay allegations
Some Indonesian couriers alleged that per-package compensation had been reduced and that fuel, parking and basic salary support were inadequate. Shopee responded that its incentive structure was competitive and aligned with market conditions and regulations.
2021
Shopee Singapore responds to workplace discrimination allegations
Company response
In November 2021, Shopee Singapore issued a statement responding to allegations of workplace discrimination and harassment. The company said it takes such allegations seriously and that it was investigating the situation. The statement was reported by Mothership. The response addressed the allegations without further details on their substance or the outcome of the investigation.
Company response
Investigation — Shopee Singapore
We are aware of the recent allegations that have surfaced. Shopee Singapore takes these allegations very seriously. We have zero tolerance for discrimination or any form of workplace harassment and are conducting a thorough investigation of the situation.
Source excerpt
In response to the allegations, Shopee Singapore issued a Facebook statement on Nov. 26.
We are aware of the recent allegations that have surfaced. Shopee Singapore takes these allegations very seriously. We have zero tolerance for discrimination or any form of workplace harassment and are conducting a thorough investigation of the situation.
2021
Shopee apologizes over Indonesian advertisement
Company response
Shopee apologized over an online advertisement in Indonesia that drew social-media uproar for mocking victims of sexual harassment and abuse.
Company response
Apology — Shopee
Southeast Asia technology group Sea's shopping arm Shopee has apologised over an online advertisement in Indonesia that ignited uproar on social media for mocking victims of sexual harassment and abuse.
Source excerpt
Southeast Asia technology group Sea's shopping arm Shopee has apologised over an online advertisement in Indonesia that ignited uproar on social media for mocking victims of sexual harassment and abuse.
“We sincerely apologize for the use of materials that are not appropriate for marketing materials.”
Shopee Indonesia director Handhika Jahja said the advertisement has since been removed and the mistake would not be repeated.
2019
Blackpink meet-and-greet promotion dispute
In the Philippines, customers alleged that Shopee retracted or altered rewards connected with a Blackpink meet-and-greet promotion. The controversy generated the hashtag #ShopeeScam and was investigated by the Department of Trade and Industry.