Chinese supplier disappeared after payment: evidence and first steps
Silence after payment can have several explanations, but the immediate task is the same: preserve the transaction, identity and communication evidence before accounts or pages change.
Updated 24 July 2026
Quick answer
Record who received the money, what was promised, the last confirmed production or shipment event, and every failed attempt to contact the supplier.
Preserve identity and transaction records
Save the company name, registration information, Alibaba or marketplace profile, website, addresses, bank beneficiary and invoice.
Export the complete chat where possible and keep message dates, names, attachments and voice-note context.
Check whether the account changed
Document deleted listings, changed company names, blocked accounts, bounced email and disconnected phone numbers.
Do not rely on screenshots alone when an export, PDF order or bank document is available.
Contact through controlled channels
Send one clear written notice through the platform and the contractual contact address, asking for a status update or refund by a stated date.
Avoid threats and repeated emotional messages; they make the timeline harder to review.
Protect remaining deadlines
Check marketplace, Trade Assurance, card, bank-transfer, insurance and contract deadlines immediately.
A supplier's request to wait does not automatically extend a third party's filing deadline.
Common mistakes
- Paying a new fee to release goods or a refund without verification
- Deleting the chat after taking a few screenshots
- Contacting unrelated people with public accusations
- Waiting weeks before checking dispute deadlines
Frequently asked questions
Does silence prove fraud?
No. It is evidence of non-response, not automatically proof of intent. Describe the facts precisely and preserve the payment and promise records.
What is the most important document?
Usually the combination of the order or invoice, payment proof, supplier identity and messages showing what should have happened after payment.
Should I publish the supplier's details online?
Public accusations can create legal and practical risks. Start with controlled evidence preservation and formal channels.
Describe the situation and identify the documents you already have. Do not put confidential documents in the public chat.
Open the application formThis guide explains evidence organization and practical next steps. It does not predict an outcome or replace legal advice.
Educational information, not legal advice. Check current platform rules and deadlines.