In early 2024, a contractor from Kenya sent me a message:

“Yori, I think I just got scammed. The factory in Shenzhen stopped replying after payment.”

He’d lost about $8,000. Sadly, his case isn’t rare. I’ve seen too many EPC buyers — from Ghana to the Philippines — fall into similar traps when importing solar street lights from China. Most times, it’s not because they’re careless. It’s because the market is full of suppliers who know how to fake trust.

So, this isn’t a lecture. It’s what I’ve learned the hard way — from real cases, real losses, and the real factories that either impressed me or disappeared.

Understanding the Risks: What Scams Really Look Like

Fake certifications, hidden costs, and poor-quality components are the three biggest traps I’ve seen in the Chinese solar lighting export market.

Here’s how it usually happens:

• A supplier sends beautiful photos and “CE” or “RoHS” certificates. When you check the number online, it doesn’t even exist.
• The battery inside isn’t what they promised. They’ll call it “LiFePO₄,” but it’s actually a second-hand lithium pack rewrapped with new labels.
• The price looks amazing — until you find the “shipping surcharge” and “customs assistance fee” added later.
• Warranties? Forget it. Once the container leaves port, they vanish.

I’ve even seen a supplier claim “ISO-certified” — but the certificate was issued by a local print shop in Zhongshan. Don’t trust PDFs. Always cross-check numbers with the original authority.

How to Tell a Real Supplier from a Disappearing One

Finding a reliable solar street light supplier isn’t luck. It’s homework. Real homework.

• Ask for a video call inside their factory. Not an edited video — a live one.
• Double-check their business license number on China’s qcc.com database.
• Read reviews, but more importantly, talk to previous clients. Even one short voice note can tell you a lot.
• Clarify the warranty in writing — real suppliers don’t hesitate to show terms clearly.

💡 Expert Tip: The company name on the invoice, bank account, and Alibaba store should match exactly. A mismatch = red flag. I’ve seen this trick too many times.

If you want safer options, check verified payment solutions on Huawei Light’s guide to safe trading.

Buyer Story: The $20,000 “Ghost Factory”

In 2023, a Ghana-based EPC company ordered 200 integrated solar street lights from a “factory” in Foshan. Everything looked perfect — certifications, 3D renderings, shipping schedule. They paid 70% upfront.

Then silence.
No tracking, no reply, no refund.
Turned out the company rented a small warehouse, assembled a few demo samples, and vanished.

After that case, I started advising buyers to use third-party inspection — even if it costs $200–300. It’s still cheaper than a bad shipment.

Red Flags That Always Mean Trouble

Over the years, I’ve noticed small warning signs — if you see these, walk away.

• Prices that are “too good to miss.” If it sounds too perfect, it’s usually fake.
• Long delays or vague answers. Real factories answer direct questions fast.
• No datasheet, or datasheet full of round numbers (e.g., 100W panel, 50Ah battery — all perfect multiples). That’s a hint the specs are made up.
• Rush tactics — “Only 2 days left for discount.” They want you to skip verification.

I always tell clients: If a seller keeps saying “trust me,” stop trusting.

How to Make Sure You Get Real Quality

Good products come from good process — so check the process, not just the pictures.

Here’s what I always do before any large order:

1. Ask for samples — test light output, charge time, and battery capacity.
2. Hire a third-party inspector to witness loading at the factory.
3. Check compliance — real CE or RoHS certificates have registration links.
4. Put it all in writing — warranty, return terms, replacements.

A small trick I use: ask the supplier to send a video of the lamp running for one full night. Real products can handle it. Fake ones die in a few hours.

Real Cases: How Scams Actually Look

Here are real-world patterns I’ve seen during audits and consultations over the years.

These aren’t made-up numbers. Some of these buyers now work directly with audited manufacturers only — they learned it the hard way.

Safer Payment & Contract Tips

The safest way to pay is to keep control — don’t pay everything before you see progress.

• Use trusted tools like Alibaba Trade Assurance or Letter of Credit.
• Never wire full payment before inspection — split it into milestones.
• Sign a Purchase Agreement that clearly lists specs, quantities, delivery date, and penalties.
• Confirm the bank account name matches the company’s registered business name.

For more advice, you can also check this safe trading guide on Huawei Light. It explains how to verify Chinese suppliers and avoid financial traps.

What If You Already Got Scammed?

It’s not the end — you still have options.

1. Report to Alibaba or Made-in-China immediately. They’ll often block repeat offenders.
2. File a complaint through local trade chambers or CIETAC (China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission).
3. Contact a Chinese trade lawyer — there are firms that specialize in helping foreign buyers recover funds.
4. Share your story in buyer groups or LinkedIn communities. It may stop someone else from losing money.

One Tanzanian buyer I helped recovered 60% of his payment after taking quick legal action within 15 days. Time matters.

Final Thoughts

I’ve seen both sides — the buyers who lost everything, and those who built solid partnerships with honest suppliers.

The difference isn’t luck. It’s preparation.
If you verify, question, and inspect before trusting, your next solar street light order from China could become your best project — not your worst story.

So before you sign that invoice, slow down. One phone call, one inspection, one cross-check — that’s what separates the winners from the victims.