Discover the top 10 supplier scams in China and learn how to avoid them. Real sourcing cases, red flags, and expert solutions from Arivon Trade.
Top 10 Supplier Scams in China & How to Avoid Them
China is home to thousands of reliable factories — but also a few clever scammers.
Over 17 years of sourcing, we’ve seen the same traps catch even experienced importers.
Here’s how to recognize them before it’s too late.
1. Fake Factory Websites
Many scammers clone real factory sites, using stolen photos and fake certificates.
🧠 How to detect it:
- Check the domain age via Whois.
- Ask for a live video tour of the production area.
- Verify the business license address on Baidu Maps.
2. Middlemen Pretending to Be Manufacturers
They present themselves as factories but outsource production to others.
💡 Red flag: They can supply anything — from shoes to solar panels.
✅ Solution: Ask for a production license and product certifications (CE, ISO, etc.).
3. Unrealistically Low Prices
If the quote is 30% below the market, there’s a reason.
Low prices often mean poor quality, stolen goods, or no goods at all.
💬 “Too good to be true” is a global warning — not just in China.
4. Changing Bank Accounts Before Payment
A classic scam: you get an email saying, “Our bank account has changed.”
🔒 Solution:
Always confirm payment details by phone or video before transferring money.
At Arivon Trade, we verify every supplier’s bank ownership in advance.
5. Fake Certificates and Licenses
Many scammers show forged CE, FDA, or ISO certificates.
📄 What to do:
Use official government or certification websites to confirm validity.
For example: CNCA for China-based ISO checks.
6. Disappearing After Deposit
They take a 30% deposit, then vanish.
🧩 Solution:
Use Letter of Credit, Alibaba Trade Assurance, or pay via your sourcing partner.
7. Shipping Wrong or Broken Goods
Some fraudsters send cheap substitutes instead of agreed quality.
📦 Prevent it:
Always request Pre-Shipment Inspection with photos and videos.
8. Overcharging Freight or Customs
Hidden costs appear after you’ve paid the deposit.
💸 Tip:
Get a full landed cost breakdown (factory to destination) before confirming the order.
9. Using Fake Factory Names for Contracts
Some companies register new names to avoid legal tracking.
📜 Fix:
Always sign with the licensed legal entity name from the business license, not the brand name.
10. Refusing Video Calls
If they avoid showing their face, factory floor, or real location — red flag.
📱 Rule: No video, no deal.
Legitimate manufacturers will always confirm their operations visually.
How to Protect Yourself When Buying from China
✅ Verify all documents before paying
✅ Use trusted sourcing or inspection partners
✅ Demand live verification proof
✅ Don’t skip small sample orders
✅ Always confirm contracts in both English and Chinese
⚙️ Need Expert Help to Verify Your Suppliers?
Our local team in China audits factories, checks licenses, and ensures payment safety — before you spend a single dollar.
👉 Chat on WhatsApp
This post is also available in:
English