Every exporter who puts their products online starts getting enquiries. Most are genuine, but some are designed to take your money, your goods or your login details. Knowing the common patterns protects you without making you suspicious of every real buyer.
Warning signs of a fake export buyer include a free email address, no verifiable company registration or website, pressure to act fast, requests for registration or certification fees, large orders with no questions about the product, and payment offers that look too good, such as overpayment or unusual LC terms. Verify every new buyer by checking the company registry, its domain and phone number, holding a video call, and starting with secure payment terms such as an advance or a confirmed LC.
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Warning signs in the first message
- The enquiry is generic, such as "send your price list", and could apply to any supplier
- A free email address for a supposedly large company, or a domain that imitates a well-known company
- A very large order with no questions about specification, packing or certification
- Pressure to act immediately or "lose the deal"
- A link or attachment you are asked to open to "view the order", which may be a phishing page
The most common export scams
Advance fee scams
The "buyer" confirms a big order, then asks you to pay for registration, import permits, certification or an agent's commission before the deal can go ahead. Once you pay, the buyer disappears.
Overpayment scams
The buyer sends a payment larger than the invoice, often by cheque or a reversible method, and asks you to refund the difference. The original payment later bounces.
Fake letters of credit
The LC looks real but is issued by a bank that does not exist, or contains clauses that make payment almost impossible. Always ask your own bank to check an LC before you ship against it.
Sample and document fraud
Someone requests many free samples with no intention of buying, or asks for your original documents so they can take the goods without paying.
Email account takeover
Fraudsters hack an email account and send "updated" bank details for a payment. Always confirm any change in bank details by phone on a number you already have.
A simple buyer verification checklist
- Check the companyLook the company up in its country's official business registry and compare the name, address and directors.
- Check the website and domainA real business usually has a website on its own domain that matches the email address it writes from.
- Call the published numberCall the number listed on the company website or registry, not only the number in the email.
- Hold a video callAsk to see the person and, if possible, their office or warehouse.
- Ask for trade referencesAsk for references from other suppliers, and check the buyer's import history where trade data is available.
- Start with secure termsUse an advance payment or a confirmed LC for the first order, and keep the first order small.
Protect yourself on payment
Payment terms are your best protection. Our guide to export payment terms explains which options keep you safe with a new buyer. For larger credit orders, ECGC can check a buyer and set a credit limit before you ship. See our ECGC guide.
Work with reviewed buyer requirements
On BuyGenix, every buyer requirement is reviewed by our team before it is shared with members, and buyers' mobile numbers are verified. You should still run your own checks before shipping, but starting from reviewed requirements saves a lot of time. Browse current buyer requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Why do fake buyers use free email addresses?
Free email accounts are quick to create and hard to trace. Real companies usually write from an address on their own website domain, especially for large orders.
Should I ever pay a fee to get an export order?
Treat any request to pay registration, permit or certification fees before an order as a strong warning sign. Genuine import costs are normally the buyer's responsibility.
How can I check if a letter of credit is real?
Send it to your own bank before shipping. The bank can confirm the issuing bank is genuine and advise on any clauses that make payment difficult.
Is it safe to send free samples?
Small samples to verified buyers are normal. Be careful when someone asks for many free samples without discussing price, quantity or delivery.
Start with reviewed buyer requirements
Browse importer and bulk buyer requirements that our team reviews before sharing, and contact buyers directly with a membership.
Browse buyer requirements →Looking for buyers for your products?
See live requirements from importers and bulk buyers in India and abroad: what they want, how much, and where. Contact them directly with a BuyGenix membership.
