Verify the company you will contract and pay
Ask for the supplier's complete legal company name, registered address, business registration information and the name shown on the contract and proforma invoice. Translate documents where needed and check that the business activities and contact information are consistent.
The beneficiary account should be explained in writing and normally align with the contracting party. Treat instructions to pay an unrelated personal or third-party account as a reason to stop and verify independently.
- Legal company identity
- Registered address
- Contracting seller
- Bank beneficiary consistency
Distinguish supplier identity from brand identity
A seller of HOWO, SHACMAN, Hino, Caterpillar or another brand is not automatically the original manufacturer or an authorized dealer. Ask the supplier to describe its role accurately: manufacturer, dealer, trader, sourcing company or export service provider.
Brand logos, factory photographs and a professional website do not prove ownership of a vehicle or an official manufacturer relationship. The contract must identify the actual seller and the exact goods it is responsible for supplying.
- Supplier's commercial role
- No assumed manufacturer affiliation
- Source of the selected vehicle
- Seller responsibility in writing
Verify the exact truck instead of a catalogue image
Request dated current-unit photographs, a continuous video, chassis and engine identity and a test that suits the vehicle. Give the supplier a simple live verification request, such as showing a dated card beside the chassis number and then walking around the same truck.
Compare details across the photo set: color, body, tire position, damage, plates and background. If the evidence changes between messages, ask for clarification before treating it as one selected unit.
- Dated identity evidence
- Continuous walk-around
- Cold start and working test
- Consistent vehicle details
Use inspection and contract terms to control risk
Agree what the supplier will inspect, repair, replace and document. Put model, identity, configuration, condition, quantity, price, Incoterm, ports, delivery scope, payment schedule and acceptance evidence into the commercial documents.
For an order whose value or complexity justifies it, use an independent inspector. The inspector should be able to access the selected unit and compare it with the contract, not only visit an office or photograph a similar vehicle.
- Written specification
- Refurbishment schedule
- Independent inspection access
- Acceptance before balance
Check changes before approving payment
Fraud risk increases when bank details, contact addresses, vehicle identity or payment instructions change suddenly. Verify changes through a previously confirmed communication channel instead of replying only to the message that introduced the new details.
Keep the quotation, contract, payment record, photographs, video, inspection report and shipping documents together. A complete evidence chain makes misunderstandings easier to resolve and creates stronger proof for future repeat purchases.
- Verify bank-detail changes
- Use a confirmed contact channel
- Retain the evidence chain
- Do not rush unexplained changes