Phase 01
Physical Verification.
Vendor fraud often starts with the physical location. Sales teams send photos of a sleek glass office, but the actual work often happens in an overcrowded basement or a remote setup with no data security.
Identity Match: Verify company name on building directory vs lease agreement.
Infrastructure: Speed test on internet lines & visual check of generator/UPS.
Security: Verify biometric access logs & CCTV coverage.
Phase 02
Team & Talent Audit.
The 'Bait and Switch' is the most common scam in outsourcing. You are sold a Resume of an expert, but the work is done by a junior learner.
Video Mandate: Mandatory high-def video during technical screen.
Live Coding: Real-time problem solving (no take-home assignments).
Snapshot Lock: Reference image capture to prevent "proxy" workers.
Phase 03
Technical Due Diligence.
Before you sign a multi-year contract, you need to know if the technical promises are real. Sales decks are easy to make; scalable architecture is hard to build.
Architecture Review: Stress-test proposed design against user growth.
Code Audit: Git history analysis & automated technical debt scan.
Contract Redline: Identify vague deliverables like "Best efforts".