Avoid Supplier Scams
- Nancy Kong
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
1. Common Supplier Scams to Watch Out For
1. Fake Companies
Scammers create fake websites, social media profiles, or storefronts that look real but have no registered business behind them.
Warning signs:
No valid business license
No address or an address that cannot be verified
Very new website with no history
2. Bait-and-Switch
Supplier promises high-quality goods but ships low-quality or completely different products.
Warning signs:
Prices too low to be realistic
Refusal to send samples
No quality-control process
3. Payment Scams
Scammers ask you to send money using non-secure methods such as Western Union, personal accounts, or crypto.
Warning signs:
Payment account name doesn’t match company name
Supplier suddenly changes bank details
Asks for full payment upfront
4. Middleman Posing as Manufacturer
A trading company pretends to be a factory to charge higher prices or hide the real production source.
Warning signs:
Very wide product range
No factory photos or certifications
Cannot answer technical production questions
5. Ghosting After Payment
Supplier disappears after receiving deposit or full payment.
Warning signs:
Rushes for payment
Unprofessional communication
No existing customer references
2. How to Verify a Legit Supplier
1. Check Business License
Request a clear photo of their Chinese business license (营业执照). Verify:
Proper business scope
Registered address
Company status (active)
2. Ask for Factory Evidence
Request:
Factory videos
Real-time video calls
Production photos
Certifications (ISO, CE, etc.)
3. Verify Bank Details
Ensure:
Bank account name matches company name
Account is corporate, not personal
No sudden bank changes during payment
4. Order a Sample First
A real supplier has:
Fast sample service
Consistent quality between samples and mass production
5. Use Third-Party Verification Services
Hire trusted companies for:
Factory audits
Quality inspections
Container loading checks
This is one of the strongest ways to avoid scams.
3. Safe Payment Methods
Use secure, traceable payment channels:
Bank Transfer (to company account only)
Alibaba Trade Assurance
PayPal (for small orders)
Letter of Credit (for large orders)
Avoid:
Western Union
MoneyGram
Personal accounts
Crypto (unless verified long-term partner)
4. Bonus Tips to Stay Safe
Avoid suppliers offering prices far below market average
Always keep written communication
Verify all contracts and PI details twice
Never rush payments because of “urgent production” excuses
Work with well-reviewed DDP or logistics companies for safe shipping Contact Information
Whatsapp: +86-18098151030Nancy/+91-9952044576Mallesh Gujjala/+86-181 2571 3582Rose/+86-13416222617Jack/+86-15918480524CC/+86-18125730121Kimi
Email: nancy@gmrglobal.co
Address: 201, Second Floor, PVR Building, Lawsons Bay Colony, Pedda Waltair, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530017, India
672C+H8F, Vichoor, Echakuzhi, Manali New Town, Chennai, Edayanchavadi, Tamil Nadu 600103
1315, 25th Main Rd, Kottapalya, Jayanagara 9th Block, Jayanagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560041
Room 102, No.3 Zhongyi Feihe Street, Panyu District, Guangzhou
Room 102, No. 9, Zhenhua Road, Lecong, Shunde District, Foshan City, Guangdong Province
Thank you for reading. I look forward to further communication with you!
#supplierscams #fraudprevention #safesourcing #verification #shipping




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