5 Common Payment Scams in U.S.–Mexico Trade (And How to Avoid Them)

Cross-border trade between the U.S. and Mexico is booming. Manufacturing orders, custom parts, and freight moves flow back and forth every day. But while opportunities grow, so do the risks. Payment fraud is no longer a rare event. It is a persistent threat that can cost businesses tens of thousands (or even millions) of dollars in a single mistake.

Here are five scams every buyer and supplier should know, and practical ways to stay safe.

1. Business Email Compromise (BEC)

One of the costliest fraud schemes in the world. Criminals hack or spoof supplier email accounts and send updated payment instructions, usually changing the beneficiary bank account. The buyer wires funds, but they vanish into a fraudster’s account.

• Why it matters: The FBI reports over $50 billion in global BEC losses from 2013–2022. Cross-border invoices are prime targets because urgency and language barriers make errors more likely.

• How to avoid it: Always confirm bank detail changes with a direct call to a known contact. Never rely on email alone.

2. Fake Supplier / Shell Companies

Fraudsters create legitimate-looking supplier profiles or companies. In Mexico, the SAT publishes the Lista Negra 69-B, a blacklist of EFOS ("fake invoice" companies) flagged for issuing fraudulent invoices. U.S. buyers who prepay these companies often never see goods delivered.

• Why it matters: Once a wire is sent, recovery is almost impossible. Paying a ghost supplier means losing both cash and production time.

• How to avoid it: Check suppliers against SAT 69-B, state business registries, and official databases. For logistics partners, validate carriers with FMCSA.

3. Advance-Payment Fraud

Many manufacturing orders require 30–50% upfront to cover tooling or materials. Fraudsters take the deposit but never ship goods, or deliver low-quality substitutes.

• Why it matters: Typical purchase orders run from $10K to low six figures. Losing even one deposit can wipe out margin on multiple projects.

• How to avoid it: Structure deals with payment terms that hold funds safely until proof is verified, like CFDI 4.0 invoices, customs pedimentos, or delivery receipts.

4. Bank-Detail Swap at the Last Mile

This scam targets the final invoice. Fraudsters intercept the PDF or email chain and replace the supplier’s account number with their own. Because wires and ACH payments are irreversible, the funds disappear instantly.

• Why it matters: These scams often happen after months of legitimate business, making them harder to detect.

• How to avoid it: Require call-backs or secondary approvals for any bank account changes. Some companies also lock beneficiaries so payouts cannot be redirected without verification.

5. Overpayment / Refund Fraud

In this scheme, a counterparty sends an “accidental” overpayment, then requests a refund. The original payment later bounces (for example, bad check or stolen card), but the refund goes through, leaving the victim out of pocket.

• Why it matters: While more common in domestic trade, cross-border transactions add complexity and delays that make it harder to detect the initial bounce.

• How to avoid it: Wait for full settlement before issuing refunds. Use structures that only release funds once both sides verify balances.

Final Word: Secure Payments Build Secure Trade

U.S.–Mexico commerce thrives on trust, but wires, ACH, and SPEI rails do not come with built-in protection. One mistake can cost six figures. The safest approach? Do not rely on trust alone.

By using payment structures that lock funds until delivery is verified, businesses can trade with confidence and keep fraudsters out of the supply chain.

Next step: Want to see how this works in practice? Boonie makes every B2B payment feel like it is escrowed. Funds are locked until delivery is verified, then released automatically.