June 2017 – Traditional Red Flag Indicators – FBI Handout

Traditional_Red_Flag_Indicators

Below are common RED FLAG indicators a buyer of your products may not be authorized to receive them or is otherwise engaged in criminal activity.  If RED FLAGS are present, you should exercise due diligence and inquire about the suspicious circumstances to ensure appropriate end-use, end-user, and ultimate country of destination information is obtained.

1. Buyer is reluctant to offer information about the end-use of the ordered product
2. Product’s capabilities do not fit the buyers line of business
3. Buyer’s IP address does not match the stated location
4. Company receives the same request for a quote (RFQ) from multiple customers
5. The RFQ appears to be cut-and-pasted into the email
6. Buyer carbon copies unknown individuals
7. A freight forwarder, Importer / Exporter, or General Trading Company is listed at the final end-user
8. Routine installation, training, warranty, or maintenance services are declined by the buyer
9. Buyer is unfamiliar with the product’s performance
10. Buyer is evasive when asked about whether parts are for domestic use or re-export
11. Buyer has little to no presence on the internet
12. The shipping address is a residence or a building that leases virtual office space
13. Unusual method of payment or unexpected source of payment

Please Consider Additional RED FLAGS That May Be Unique To Your Company or Industry.

To report suspicious activity, contact the local FBI Charlotte Office at 704-672-6100 or go to https://tips.fbi.gov

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