Due to the recent rise of International fraudulent transactions involving rogue exporters, including those from Indonesia, we advise our U.S. counterparts to be extra cautious. Please find below tips for Avoiding Trade Fraud:
- Make sure you are purchasing merchandise from a reputable source.
- Do your due diligence on the individual or company to ensure that they are legitimate.
- Obtain a physical address rather than simply a post office box and a telephone number, and call the seller to see if the telephone number is correct and working.
- Send an e-mail to the seller to make sure the e-mail address is active
- Learn as much as possible about the seller, especially if the only information you have is an e-mail address. Ask for copy of business license, passport, inquire to the Consulate for an informal verification.
- Determine what method of payment the seller is asking from the buyer and where he/she is asking to send payment.
- If possible, purchase items using a Letter of Credit, because no Banks in Indonesia issue any sort of product or delivery guarantee for a Wire Transfer payment.
- Check out other websites regarding this person/company.
- Don’t judge a person or company by their website. Flashy websites can be set up quickly.
Consider using an escrow or alternate payment service.