Xi An Xiang Dong - order for a large quantity of goods

Hello, my client just recently was contacted by the firm in title that wants to buy from him a large quantity of product that he manufactures. They even send him a contract project to accept. I was a bit sceptical about this whole transcation so after a few seconds on google I'm sure they are trying to scam him. But still I would like an experts opinion of this. Here's their offer:

"Dear Sirs,
We are an international trading company in Xi an China, specialized in importing and exporting, which mainly involves in environmental equipments, chemical equipments, construction equipments and machine parts. Because of the needs of our clients, we are going to purchase a batch of Aluminum Pieces. If necessary, we will send the drawings of the products to you by attachment. If you can produce or have similar products like this, please quote us with the price of FOB or CIF, and then we can expand further steps in our cooperation.

Product description:

1. Masteries: Al 6060 (read drawing)

2. Quantities: 60000 ps

3. Work time: 10-12 months

4. Single weight: 23.39 kg

5. Require: please quote us with FOB price and the model and processing charges should be contained in the unit price .

The Company has consistently adhere to equality,reciprocity,mutual benefit,commom development principles, and wish we have a huge improvement together.

Wish we have further discuss and cooperate.
Xi An Xiang Dong IMP & EXP Co., Ltd
Name: Yao Bin
Tel: +86+29+68627501
Fax: +86+29+68622358
zip code: 710054"
It was sent from email adress: [email protected]
Their website is apperently: http://chinaxiangdong.com/
As I said they were exchanging emails back and forth for a few days now with my client but just now they contacted us about it. I already informed them that it's really fishy but experts opinion to back my words would be excellent. Thank you.

[AlanJones]

I think you are right to be suspicious.

The website was set up in September 2013, despite claiming that they've been in existence since 1998.

They are also using a free email service (163.com), which looks dodgy.

I dig up a little bit more and it seems like it's classic example of "big order scam", otherwise known "china scam". Amazing how far some scammers can go. Disgusting but I'm impressed.

The concept of the scam is similar to that of the lottery win coming out of the blue. People don't win lotteries they haven't entered and companies don't place orders without initial negotiations, bargaining and discussions. The intention is that common sense is overlooked in the seller's eagerness to secure a lucrative deal.

Chinese companies speak Chinese and would have their website written in Chinese but it supports a scam directed at the rest of the world, not the Chinese market.

This company is not exist in China! It is scam, it is called" guilin" scam, which running for years, google it, you will find more!

Client received a similar email from the Xi an Xian Dong People

He replied immediately offering a large quantity of goods from Australia.

The Xian XianDong then asked him to fly to China to meet with them and sign a contract immediately.

My client flew there, had dinner twice with the company people including a mandarin translator but had to foot the bill both times. They also asked for 'notary' fees up front -and gave a personal bank account with the line
"It's easier to put in personal account than company account'

FYI - no legitimate Chinese businesses ever ask for 'notary' fees or to fly to China to sign a contract for a large amount of goods, sight unseen. Stay well away