Serious buyers usually don’t place large orders at the first time.   

Generally speaking, they will work with order from suppliers several times in order to build a mutually trustworthy relationship first; and also to make sure the supplier continuously has the capability and capacity to produce quality products.   

Scammers will send professional looking inquiries asking for product details, such as specifications, price, etc.  

This is only the first step of their plan to defraud you and is only designed to make initial contact with their victims. During the next step of their plan to defraud victims, they offer a big purchase order and invite victims to fly to their country to sign a sales contract and discuss business in detail. However, in their country, they will find an excuse to make you pay expenses, such as expensive gifts, dinner, or other entertainment expenses according to their “local tradition.” In reality, scammers receive financial rewards from restaurants when they order expensive items, such as wines or cigarettes.  

It is always essential to check the background information of your potential business partners. 

This can be done by searching the Internet or on Alibaba.com's forum. Conducting your own due diligence to avoid Internet Fraud is always important. Here are some tips to help verify a potential trade partner:  

·         Ask detailed and direct questions. Genuine buyers will have the patience to   wait for your reply, and will be knowledgeable about the product you are selling;   

·         Check their phone and fax numbers are correct;   

·         Ask for their business address as well as their email address;   

·         Check their website URL and their Host Registration;  

·         Check with the Business Registrar in their country to confirm their business is real; 

·         Check out their business profile and activity;   

·         Contact the Chamber of Commerce, or the Embassy of the country and ask for the Commercial Department. Check out if this company is real, the Director's name and the name of the Purchaser or Procurement Officer and their phone number