Most machinery fraud is simple: a convincing website, a machine that does not exist or belongs to someone else, and a request to pay a deposit — often to a bank account that does not belong to the company named on the invoice. The checks below protect you against nearly all of it. We publish them because we would rather be checked than doubted.

1. Look the company up in the Trade Register

Every Dutch company has a KVK number. Search it on kvk.nl: the register shows the legal name, registered office, registered activities and the date of registration. For a few euros you can download an official extract (uittreksel) that also lists the directors. Our number is 94913781. The name on the invoice must match the register exactly.

2. Validate the VAT number

EU VAT numbers can be checked free of charge in the European Commission's VIES system. A valid number confirms the company is VAT-registered and lets you apply the intra-Community 0% rate correctly.

3. Check that the bank account belongs to the company

Dutch banks apply an IBAN-name check: when you enter the IBAN and the beneficiary name in your banking app, the bank tells you whether they match. If your bank does not offer this, ask the seller for a bank confirmation letter on bank letterhead and compare the account holder with the Trade Register name. Never pay to a personal account or a third party "on behalf of" the company.

4. Verify by phone — using the number from the website, not the e-mail

Fraudsters intercept or imitate e-mail threads and send "updated" bank details. Before your first payment, and whenever bank details change, call the company on the phone number published on its website and confirm the IBAN verbally. We expect this call and welcome it: +31 (0)10 713 8162.

5. Inspect, contract, then pay — or use escrow

Inspect the machine yourself or through an independent inspector, confirm identity and ownership, and sign a contract that states price, delivery terms and payment schedule. For high-value purchases, agree staged payments linked to inspection and delivery, or use a reputable escrow service so funds are released only when the machine is handed over.

Other signs worth a second look

  • Prices far below the market for in-demand machines.
  • Pressure to pay a deposit quickly "because another buyer is interested".
  • Stock photos instead of photos of the actual machine with its serial plate.
  • A website domain registered only weeks ago, or e-mail from a free webmail address.
  • A company that cannot be reached by phone during business hours.

Our own verification data is on the compliance page. If anything there does not match what you find, tell us — and do not pay.