How to Verify a Letter of Credit Is Genuine
How exporters can confirm a Letter of Credit is genuine before relying on it, and common fraud signs.
Reviewed by LCCheck team (owner-approved) · 2026-10-12
Short answer
The safest way to know a Letter of Credit is genuine is to receive it through an advising bank. Under UCP 600 Article 9, by advising a credit the bank signifies it has satisfied itself as to its apparent authenticity. Treat any credit sent directly by email or PDF from the buyer as unverified until your bank confirms it.
| Authenticity check | Advising bank (Art. 9) |
|---|---|
| Usual channel | Authenticated SWIFT MT700 |
| Unverified | Credits sent directly by the buyer |
How to verify
- Ask the buyer to have it advised through your bank.
- Check the advising bank's cover letter.
- Contact your bank, not numbers listed on the document.
Warning signs
- Unknown issuing bank or one not on SWIFT.
- Request for fees before 'releasing' the credit.
- Unusual conditions that make payment impossible.
- Spelling and format errors in bank names.
Sources
General guidance, not legal advice. Your bank examines documents independently.
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