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Scam pattern
Deposit Scam
Supplier disappears after the deposit lands — or asks for more before shipping.
Risk signals
- Asks for payment to a personal bank account
- Pushes urgent payment with 'price will go up tomorrow'
- Company name on payment instruction differs from contract
Real case example
After paying a $4,200 deposit to a personal Hong Kong account, the supplier's WhatsApp stopped responding. The 'company' had no traceable registration.
Warning signs
- Payment instructions sent late and out-of-band
- Multiple email accounts in the same conversation
- Supplier resists escrow or trade assurance
Prevention
- Only pay to a corporate bank account matching the company name
- Use escrow, LC, or trade assurance for first orders
- Split payment milestones tied to verifiable progress