High riskMarketplace

Fake Supplier Scam

A fake wholesale or B2B supplier advertises bulk goods at prices that beat the market, then asks for payment by bank transfer. Some vanish after the first order, while others build trust with small, genuine deliveries before disappearing on a large one. Because bank transfers offer little recourse, recovering the money is often very difficult.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Wholesale supplier scam
Main red flag
A new supplier insists on a bank transfer for a first bulk order and resists secure or traceable payment methods.
What to do first
Pause before paying and independently verify the company's registration, address and trading history through official records, not details the seller provides.

How this scam works

A fake wholesale or B2B supplier advertises bulk goods at prices that beat the market, then asks for payment by bank transfer. Some vanish after the first order, while others build trust with small, genuine deliveries before disappearing on a large one. Because bank transfers offer little recourse, recovering the money is often very difficult.

Marketplace scams target both buyers and sellers on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and classified listings. Fraudsters fake payments, send bogus "buyer protection" emails, push deals off-platform, or use overpayment tricks to make you ship goods or send money for nothing.

In short, the giveaway is usually simple: A new supplier insists on a bank transfer for a first bulk order and resists secure or traceable payment methods. Pause before paying and independently verify the company's registration, address and trading history through official records, not details the seller provides.

Scammers rotate tactics constantly, the same operation may also run the Fake Invoice Email Scam and the Fake Escrow Scam. See the full Marketplace Scams guides hub, or test a suspicious message with the scam checker.

How to spot this scam

  • Prices that are well below the usual wholesale or market rate, framed as a limited stock or one-time deal.
  • Strong pressure to pay quickly by bank transfer, while card payments, escrow or other traceable methods are discouraged or charged extra.
  • A business that has little verifiable history, a recently created website, or contact only through free email and messaging apps.
  • Small first orders that arrive fine, followed by a request for a much larger upfront payment on a bigger order.
  • Vague or inconsistent company details, a registration number that does not match official records, or an address that cannot be confirmed.

What the message looks like

Example pattern, not a real report
Example pattern: "Thanks for your enquiry. We can supply 500 units at well below retail, ready to ship today. To secure stock at this price, please send payment by bank transfer to the account on the attached invoice. Card and escrow incur extra fees, so transfer is preferred. Confirm and we'll dispatch immediately."

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

What gives it away: A new supplier insists on a bank transfer for a first bulk order and resists secure or traceable payment methods.

The scale of it

$1.4B
reported lost to fraud that started on social media in the US in 2023
Source: US Federal Trade Commission
Top category
online shopping is consistently among the most-reported fraud types to the FTC
Source: US Federal Trade Commission

How to protect yourself

  • Independently verify the business through official company registers, and cross-check the address, phone number and registration number yourself.
  • Use a traceable payment method such as a card or an escrow service for first orders, rather than a direct bank transfer.
  • Start with a small test order and confirm delivery quality before committing to any large purchase.
  • Search the company name alongside words like "scam" or "review" and look for independent feedback outside the supplier's own site.

Already responded? Do this now

  • If you paid by bank transfer, contact your bank immediately and ask whether the payment can be recalled or frozen.
  • Gather all evidence, including invoices, messages, the website address and payment details, in case you need to report it.
  • Report the supplier to the relevant trading standards, consumer protection or fraud reporting body in your country.
  • Warn any colleagues or contacts who may deal with the same supplier so they can pause before paying.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Do not send a large bank transfer based only on a few small successful orders building trust.
  • Do not rely on company details the seller gives you without checking them against official sources.
  • Do not let urgency or a limited-stock claim push you into paying before you have verified the supplier.

Related scams to know

Medium risk Email

Fake Invoice Email Scam

This scam emails an invoice or receipt for something you did not buy, hoping you call a fake 'support' number or click a link to dispute it.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
High risk Marketplace

Fake Escrow Scam

In a high-value marketplace deal, the other party insists on a specific 'escrow' or 'secure payment' website to hold the funds, but the site is fake and simply collects your money or card details.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
Medium risk Marketplace

Liquidation Pallet Scam

This scam advertises cheap pallets of returned, overstock or electronics goods for resale. Buyers pay upfront through a fake liquidation website, but the pallets never arrive or contain near-worthless items rather than the valuable stock that was promised.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team

Common questions

How can a supplier seem real but still be a scam?
Some fraudulent suppliers fulfil small early orders to build confidence, then ask for a large upfront payment and disappear. A few genuine deliveries do not prove a supplier is trustworthy at scale, so treat any big payment with the same caution as the first.
Why is a bank transfer risky for a first supplier order?
Bank transfers are fast and often hard to reverse once sent, so they offer little buyer protection if goods never arrive. Scammers commonly prefer them for this reason. Cards or escrow services usually give more recourse if something goes wrong.
What should I check before paying a new wholesale supplier?
Verify the company registration, trading address and contact details through official records rather than the seller's own materials. Look for independent reviews, and consider a small test order first. Inconsistencies between stated and official details are a warning sign.
I already paid by transfer and heard nothing. What now?
Contact your bank straight away to ask about recalling the payment, as speed can matter. Keep all invoices and messages, and report it to your local fraud or consumer protection body. Recovery is not guaranteed, but prompt action improves the chances.

Last reviewed June 2026 · Written & reviewed by the

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.