Start with the contracting company
Obtain the supplier's full Chinese legal name and Unified Social Credit Code from its business licence. Then identify the exact legal entity named on the quotation, pro forma invoice and contract. An English brand or marketplace shop name is not enough to establish who is legally responsible for the transaction.
Compare the beneficiary name character by character
Compare the beneficiary shown in the payment instructions with the contracting company. For a corporate account, the beneficiary may use an English rendering of the Chinese legal name, so spelling and word order can vary. Ask the supplier to document how the names correspond.
Do not treat a matching bank name as proof of solvency, product quality or delivery. It is one identity-consistency check within a wider review.
When the beneficiary is a different company
A supplier may use a related trading company, export agent or other collection arrangement. There can be legitimate reasons, but the relationship and authority to collect should be explained in writing and supported by information you can verify independently.
Clarify which entity will sign the contract, issue the invoice, receive the money and remain responsible if a dispute arises.
When payment goes to a personal account
A request to pay an individual instead of the company should receive additional scrutiny. Ask why a corporate transaction cannot be paid to a corporate account and consider the implications for contract enforcement, accounting, tax records and recovery of funds.
Independently confirm any changed instructions
If bank details change, call a previously verified telephone number or use another established channel. Do not rely only on the email or message that announced the change. Compromised email accounts can be used to insert false bank details into an otherwise genuine transaction.
Questions to resolve before payment
- Which Chinese legal entity is responsible under the contract?
- Does its USCC match the supplied business licence?
- Why does the beneficiary name differ, if it does?
- What documented relationship connects the entities?
- Were changed bank details confirmed through an independent channel?
- Does the payment route make sense for the transaction?