How to Recognize and Avoid Common B2B Marketplace Scams
No marketplace can eliminate all fraud risk. Users should combine platform controls with independent commercial verification, especially for high-value transactions.
Impersonation
- Check unexpected changes to email domains, phone numbers or bank details.
- Verify critical changes through a known independent contact channel.
Payment diversion
- Be cautious when a beneficiary suddenly changes.
- Do not share OTPs, passwords or authentication codes.
- Use protected transaction workflows where eligible.
Commercial warning signs
- Pricing far below market without a credible explanation.
- Pressure to skip samples, documentation or agreed checks.
- Requests to misstate invoices, customs values or product descriptions.
Frequently asked questions
Is a verified badge a guarantee against fraud?
No. Verification is one signal and does not replace transaction-specific due diligence.
What should I do if I suspect fraud?
Stop the transaction, preserve evidence, secure your account if needed and contact the appropriate support/payment/provider channels promptly.
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