Scam patternspop
POP
Proof of Product — a document or video a seller offers to evidence a cargo exists; routinely faked in advance-fee schemes.
POP (Proof of Product) is anything a seller offers to show a cargo is real: a tank storage receipt (TSR), a dip-test, an SGS/Saybolt report, or an injection video. In legitimate trade, POP is verifiable directly with the named terminal or inspector. In the broker-scam circuit POP is forged or recycled — a generic tank photo, an unsigned "SGS report", a video with no terminal reference. Treat any POP that cannot be confirmed directly with the named terminal or inspection company as worthless. Run the counterparty through a free check before acting on a POP.
Related: SGS, Q88, Dutch procedure.
See also