How to Spot Fake Trade Finance Offers
Trade finance is a magnet for scammers. Every week, someone claims they can sell you an SBLC at 30–40% of face value
or “guarantee” a loan without underwriting. These offers don’t just waste time—they can cost hundreds of thousands in upfront fees or lead to reputational damage with real lenders. This guide cuts through the noise and shows you how to identify fake trade finance offers
before you lose money.
Outcome:
You’ll know the difference between legitimate trade finance facilities and fraudulent offers, and what documentation to demand before engaging.
How Real Trade Finance Works
- Every facility is subject to underwriting, compliance, and bank appetite.
- Instruments (LCs, SBLCs, BGs) are issued by named banks
via SWIFT, not “downloaded” or “server-to-server.”
- There is no secondary market
where SBLCs or BGs are sold at a fraction of face value.
- Costs depend on tenor, corridor, and risk—not a flat cheap “buy-in” price.
- Legitimate advisors charge retainers and success fees, not “activation” deposits for phantom instruments.
Red Flags That Scream Fake
SBLCs at 30–40% face value
Banks don’t sell their own credit at a discount. These are broker scams.
Unsolicited emails
Cold emails promising “guaranteed loans” are boiler-room style fraud.
Server-to-server “transfers”
SWIFT is the channel. Anything else is invented jargon.
No KYC, no underwriting
Real lenders won’t commit without client due diligence.
Payment in crypto
Banks don’t accept BTC/USDT for credit fees. Only scammers do.
Unverifiable bank names
If you can’t confirm the issuing bank’s involvement, walk away.
Checklist: Is the Offer Real?
| Test |
Fake Offer |
Real Deal |
| Issuer |
Unknown “prime bank” listed in a PDF |
Named bank with verifiable SWIFT code |
| Fee structure |
Large upfront “activation” or crypto wallet payment |
Retainer + success fee, invoiced and contracted |
| Process |
No underwriting, “guaranteed approval” |
File review, KYC, compliance, term sheet |
| Controls |
None. Just promises. |
Cash control, title control, inspection, insurance |
What to Demand Before Paying Fees
- Engagement letter with clear scope, signed by the advisor.
- Named banks and sample fee grids.
- KYC package and compliance details.
- Timeline and process steps (intake → underwriting → term sheet → close).
- Invoiced retainer through a regulated entity, not crypto or “personal accounts.”
Work with Verified Trade Finance Advisors
Financely Group only arranges real, underwritten trade finance facilities. No fake paper, no shortcuts, no crypto wallets. If you need a clean process with named banks, we can help.
Request a Consultation
This guide is for informational purposes. Financely Group does not buy or sell SBLCs or BGs. All mandates are subject to underwriting, compliance checks, and lender approval. Beware of unsolicited offers and any deal that bypasses due diligence.