Verify the business through contact details you obtain independently, compare a written delivered quote, and investigate unusual payment requests. A polished website, familiar logo or HTTPS connection does not prove a seller is genuine.
Treat inconsistencies as reasons to pause
An unusually cheap container is a reason to ask questions, especially if the seller adds urgency or avoids a written specification. Look for a mismatch between the business name, website address, invoice and payment recipient.
No single check proves legitimacy. A real company can be impersonated, photos can be reused and reviews can be manipulated. Build confidence from several independent details that agree.
| Signal | What to do next |
|---|---|
| Payment name differs from invoice | Verify through independently sourced contact details |
| Pressure to pay immediately | Pause and complete the supplier checks |
| No clear grade or delivery terms | Request a written specification and full quote |
| Only generic stock photos | Ask how allocation and inspection actually work |
| Unexpected bank-detail change | Confirm directly using a previously verified channel |
Verify the business outside the sales conversation
Find the supplier's official website independently and contact the business through a number published there. Ask whether the salesperson and quote are theirs. Do not rely solely on the number or link in an unsolicited message.
Look for a consistent operating history and customer experiences across more than one source. A listed depot may be a third-party handling facility, so clarify the relationship instead of assuming every legitimate seller owns the yard.
Make the offer specific
The quote should identify the seller, container format and condition, destination, included delivery method, total charges and acceptance process. Ask who will invoice you and who will arrange transport.
Where stock is allocated later, get the condition standard and remedy in writing. A promise to provide a serial number or actual photo may be useful, but a number or photo alone is not proof that the seller owns or can supply the unit.
Evaluate the payment request carefully
The FTC recommends paying by credit card where possible and warns about sellers insisting on hard-to-reverse payment methods. Check the actual protection and terms with the payment provider, and do not assume every payment method has the same recourse.
An encrypted website only protects the connection; it does not validate the business. If payment instructions change, independently verify the change before sending anything. Avoid being rushed by an expiring discount or a claim that another buyer is waiting.
Keep a record that describes the transaction
Save the quote, condition description, payment request, receipt, messages and promised delivery timing. Record the website address and independently verified contact details. These records make it easier to resolve discrepancies and explain a problem.
On delivery, compare the unit and paperwork with the order. Document concerns promptly using the seller's process rather than relying on an informal assurance that everything will be sorted later.
If you suspect a scam
Stop further payments and contact the payment provider promptly using its official channel. Ask what recovery or dispute steps are available. Preserve evidence and report suspected fraud through the FTC's ReportFraud website.
Contact the genuine business if its identity appears to have been copied. Be wary of anyone who promises guaranteed recovery in exchange for another upfront payment.
Common questions
Does a padlock icon mean the supplier is safe?
No. HTTPS encrypts the connection; fraudulent sites can use it too.
Are all sellers without their own depot suspicious?
No. Some suppliers use third-party depots. Verify the business, its role and the written supply arrangements rather than judging that fact alone.
Sources & approach
Technical references and supplier guidance used for this guide. Recommendations and worked examples are EzyTrader’s editorial analysis; supplier-specific requirements still need confirmation.
Images are illustrative, not available inventory. Read our editorial approach.
