Scams involving unlicensed cross-border payment agents are on the rise, with overseas buyers facing growing risks when settling supplier payments. On May 10, 2026, a Middle Eastern-based buyer became the latest victim after trusting a private agent found in a cross-border social media group. The agent claimed to offer low fees, instant transfers, and "safe, non-freezing" transactions, presenting fake past success records to build credibility.
The buyer needed to pay 62,000 RMB for a supplier order and was directed to send funds directly to a personal bank account, bypassing any formal payment channel. After receiving the full payment, the agent delayed confirming the transfer with excuses of "bank reviews" and "account freezes requiring additional fees," before cutting off all contact. The victim immediately submitted chat logs, transfer receipts, and account details to Chinese police, filing an official report the same day.
These scams follow a predictable pattern: fraudsters target overseas buyers facing payment barriers, lure them with "fast, cheap" private services, and disappear once funds are received. These anonymous scammers have no real business background and take no responsibility for transaction safety, leaving buyers with little recourse for recovery.
We strongly urge all overseas procurement clients to stay away from unknown, unvetted random intermediaries. It is wise to choose reliable, verifiable and formal transaction channels with transparent procedures and complete traceability, to avoid fraud risks and protect your procurement funds effectively.