How to avoid China sourcing scams
Most sourcing fraud follows a few predictable patterns. Learn the red flags and the simple habits that keep your money safe.
The common scams
Most problems fall into a few types: a fake or non-existent supplier, a bait-and-switch where the bulk quality drops below the sample, off-platform payment to an unverifiable account, and the compromised-email trick where a genuine supplier's bank details are swapped at the last minute.
None of these are sophisticated. They rely on a buyer being in a hurry and skipping verification.
The red flags
Be wary of prices far below everyone else, pressure to pay quickly or off-platform, reluctance to share a business licence or do a live video call, and any sudden change of bank details.
A supplier who cannot show you the workshop making your product, on camera, is a supplier to question.
How to protect yourself
Verify the business licence, keep payment on-platform with escrow where possible, order a sample before bulk, and stage your payment so the balance follows a satisfactory inspection.
Above all, treat any last-minute request to change a bank account as suspect until you have confirmed it through a known, separate contact.
Where an agent removes the risk
A sourcing partner with people in China can verify a supplier in person and handle payment through established accounts, which removes most of the fraud risk from your side entirely.
You still buy factory-direct; you just are not wiring money to an unknown overseas party.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common sourcing scam?
Compromised-email fraud — where a real supplier's bank details are swapped at the last minute — and bait-and-switch quality. Staged payments, verification and inspection defend against both.