The friend who guaranteed the deal
A supplier was introduced by a long-time friend. The friend vouched for him, but did not know his company, his debts or the account that received the deposit.
Case summary
The friend had known the supplier for years and said he was reliable. The first small order arrived, and the supplier asked for a larger deposit for the next one.
The deposit went to a personal account. The goods never arrived, and the supplier stopped answering calls.
Timeline
- Month 1: friend introduced the supplier; small order completed.
- Month 2: larger order; deposit sent to a personal account.
- Month 3: delivery delayed; new fee requested.
- Month 4: supplier unreachable; friend said he was not a guarantor.
The turning point
She checked the business registration and found that the supplier was not a shareholder or legal representative of the company on the contract.
She stopped paying, gathered the contract and transfer records, and asked a lawyer about a civil claim.
What to remember
A friend can introduce a person, but cannot guarantee a company. Check the registration, the signatory and the bank account.
Keep the deposit and the goods payment separate. A personal account is not a company account.
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