The Cross-Border Payment Jungle

Paying international suppliers can sometimes feel like navigating traffic during a rainstorm one wrong move and you’re stuck, soaked, and frustrated.

Whether you’re a procurement head for an FMCG brand, a finance lead at a tech distributor, or a SME trying to import raw materials, one thing is clear: international payments come with risks. And it’s not just about currency rates.

Let’s break down five red flags you should never ignore when sending money across borders, and what to do instead.

Red Flag 1: Vague or Incomplete Payment Details

If your supplier sends you an invoice with fuzzy bank details, names that don’t match, or simply says “send to my cousin’s account in Dubai”, pause.

Legitimate suppliers provide crystal-clear bank information, including full beneficiary name, SWIFT/BIC code, IBAN, and bank address. Anything less is a red flag. Ask yourself: Can I verify this account against previous records or company documents?

Always request formal, stamped documentation from the supplier’s bank. Better still, confirm through a second channel (email, call, or a company portal).

Red Flag 2: Pressure to Pay in a Hurry

Time pressure is one of the oldest scams in the book. Don’t be rushed into a trap. A supplier saying, “Pay now or lose your goods” may be fishing. 

Urgency without clarity or documentation often signals fraud or a supply chain issue they’re not telling you about. If the payment deadline keeps shifting or changes dramatically from past transactions, that’s suspicious.

Build a policy that requires a two-level review for all payments marked “urgent.” Never bypass internal controls, no matter how loud the supplier is yelling.

Red Flag 3: Unexpected Changes in Payment Instructions

A supplier suddenly says, “We’ve changed our bank. Pay into this new account instead.” Changes to banking instructions should never happen without proper explanation, written communication, and verification through official channels.

Is this a one-time change or part of a pattern? If it’s a pattern, dig deeper. Always verify with a known contact person via phone or video call before changing anything. No exceptions.

Red Flag 4: Unregistered or Unverified Foreign Accounts

Are you being asked to send money to an account in a high-risk or unfamiliar jurisdiction? It’s not in the supplier’s country, and you can’t find the bank online. This is where many companies get scammed. Shell companies and unregulated banks can disappear faster than your airtime during a WhatsApp call.

Check if the bank is listed on the official SWIFT network or has a verifiable website with contact details. Work with regulated FX partners who vet and track where your money is going. That’s where we come in. 

Discover how to save money on your next international payment.

Red Flag 5: Zero Visibility After Payment

Imagine you’ve paid, but there’s no update or tracking, and the supplier goes quiet. You do not want to be in this situation.

Good suppliers inform you of delivery timelines, shipping documents, and customs papers. If there’s radio silence 72 hours after payment, that’s a massive red flag.

Use a payment partner with end-to-end tracking tools like  Bluebulb for your transactions. Think of it like DHL for your dollars; you want to know where the money is, not just hope it got there.

How to be on the safe side

At Bluebulb, we help businesses stay 10 steps ahead with smarter cross-border payment solutions that come with:

• Verified and compliant payment rails
• End-to-end transaction tracking
• Financial advisory for import-related payments
• Protection against delayed or missing payments

Pay Smart or Pay Twice

In international trade, ignoring a few red flags can lead to millions lost. But with the right eyes, the right tools, and the right payment partner, you can move money safely, confidently, and efficiently every single time.Ready to bulletproof your international payments?
Contact our team of experts today. Let’s help your business trade smart, pay better, and stay ahead.