Checklist Before Sending Money to a Turkish Supplier

Sending an international wire transfer is often the point of no return in cross-border trade. Before you authorize a payment to a Turkish supplier, you should complete a thorough review of the transaction details.

Note: This is a general due diligence checklist. It is not legal or financial advice. Completing this checklist does not guarantee fraud prevention, but it significantly reduces your risk profile.

1. Company Identity & Registration

• Have you verified the company’s existence in MERSİS or the Trade Registry Gazette?
• Do you have a copy of their recent Vergi Levhası (Tax Plate) and Faaliyet Belgesi (Activity Certificate)?
• Does the company name on the proforma invoice match the official registry records exactly?

2. Representative Authority

• Have you identified who is signing the contract or invoice?
• Have you received the company’s İmza Sirküleri (Signature Circular)?
• Is the person signing legally authorized to bind the company according to the circular?

3. Bank Account Consistency

• Is the bank account located in Türkiye?
• Does the beneficiary name on the bank account match the exact legal corporate name? (Never send money to an individual employee, a shareholder’s personal account, or a third-party logistics firm).
• Have the payment instructions been confirmed via a live phone call or video call? (Do not rely solely on email, as Business Email Compromise is a common global threat).

4. Product and Factory Verification

• Have you requested and tested a physical sample of the product?
• If they claim to be a manufacturer, have you seen their Kapasite Raporu (Capacity Report)?
• Have you conducted a live video tour of the production facility, or hired a local agent to perform a physical inspection?

5. Commercial Terms and Documentation

• Is the incoterm (e.g., FOB, EXW, CIF) clearly stated and mutually understood?
• Is the payment structure balanced? (e.g., using a Letter of Credit, or a milestone-based T/T deposit rather than 100% upfront).
• Does the proforma invoice clearly outline the product specifications, delivery timeline, and penalties for delay?

6. Independent Checks and Escalation

• Have you performed a basic web search for the company name alongside keywords like “şikayet” (complaint) or “dolandırıcılık” (fraud)?
• If this is a high-value transaction, have you reached your escalation threshold? (i.e., Is it time to hire a local Turkish commercial lawyer to review the contract or a third-party QC agency to inspect the goods before the final balance is paid?)

General Due Diligence Practice: If any item on this checklist raises a red flag, pause the transaction. Do not allow a supplier to pressure you into a rushed payment due to “expiring discounts” or “urgent material costs.”