subject: Big Order Scam [print this page] Author: Black-lists Author: Black-lists
The scammers promise to place a big order and ask the exporter to send free samples and cover different costs in their country. In this scam the exporters are approached by fake buyers, mostly from Africa, requesting a detailed offer for a product. They claim to have good connections in governmental or military circles and offer the exporter their assistance to win a very large supply contract. Usually, the scammers promise that the exporter will be paidin full prior to shipping to gain his confidence. After short negotiations, they accept your prices and product specifications and then comes the first part of the scam. The buyers ask the exporter to provide them with free samples sent by registered post. In order tosecure the big contract the exporter usually sends the samples free of charge. The scammersobtain free products and by this point the exporter is already several hundred dollars short. Once the samples are accepted, you win the contract. Then you will be asked to pay various never-ending fees in their countries: product registration, import licences, company registration, barrister fees etc. All demands will be supported by fake but very realistic looking documents and all the transfers should usually be madevia Western Union or Money Gram. If you pay once, a new request for an ever higher payment will follow. So they will milk the exporter until he refuses to pay the next fee. You can easily avoid this scam: Always be suspicious about big contracts coming from Africa. If it seems too good to be true it probably is. Try toacquire the information about the buyer from the internet first. Very possibly you will not find such a company. Never send any free samples. You can ask the importer to cover the shipping costs, but you will provide the samplesfree of charge. Neverpay any advance fees.Serious African importers usually have all problems solved and fees settled in their home country. If the buyer demands advance payment via Western Union or Money Gram, it is 99.9% certain that you are talking to a scammer. Weare not saying that there are no honest businessmen in West African countries or thatit is not possible to do business with these countries. Justapply common sense and do not be blinded by the big money to come. About the Author:
Black-lists.com provides information support and anti-fraud protection for companies involved in international trade. Our anti-fraud protection programme will help importers and exporters to not become the victim of a fraudulent company or individual. More information and articles can be found on our site http://www.black-lists.com
