When Fraud Occurs
If you believe you have been defrauded in a trade transaction, act quickly. Follow these six steps to seek resolution, recover funds if possible, and protect other members.
- Contact the other party directly
Before escalating, attempt to resolve the issue by contacting the buyer or seller. In some cases, misunderstandings can be clarified and an agreement reached without further action.
- Dispute the payment with your financial institution
If you are the buyer and no resolution is reached, contact your payment service provider — your bank or credit card company — as soon as possible to initiate a payment dispute or chargeback process. Time limits apply, so act quickly.
- Report to local law enforcement
File a formal fraud report with your local police or the relevant law enforcement authority in your country. Retain all documentation: communications, transaction records, receipts, and shipping details.
- File a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
The IC3 (www.ic3.gov) is an FBI-affiliated body that handles reports of internet-enabled fraud internationally. Filing a complaint creates an official record and may aid in cross-border investigations.
- Seek legal advice
Consult a lawyer familiar with trade law or cross-border commercial disputes. Legal counsel can help you understand your rights and the best course of action, especially for high-value transactions.
- Report the fraudster on their Exporters.SG profile
File a report on the other party's Exporters.SG profile page. This helps alert other buyers and sellers on the platform and contributes to a safer trading community for all members.
Important Note on Exporters.SG's Role
All transactions on Exporters.SG are conducted directly between the buyer and the seller. Exporters.SG is not a party to any transaction and is not responsible or liable for the outcome of trades between members. For full details, read our Disclaimer.
Related: