This discussion presents an analysis of ethics involving an overseas purchase of 10,000 t-shirts from a Pakistan supplier. From other perspectives, the buyer can opt to offer additional merchandise at a discounted price. Rationally, the entire communication process depicted in the case context raises doubts about the possibility of money laundering. The ethical dilemma, in this case, requires the utilitarian approach for an objective decision. The approach is more effective than the discussed model in class as the buyer would identify misleading information concerning the transaction’s documentation.
I think that it is ethical to reject the document with incorrect details arising from a minor technicality. Initially, the company made a precise order of 10,000 T-shirts from a Pakistan company with a relatively discounted price. Normally, businesspersons ensure profitability optimization in all executive decisions on consumers or suppliers. The deal is reasonable as the company accepts a transaction conducted over the Internet. It is unethical to accept the document with specific details concerning the shipment. The shipping information within the document seems inaccurate with the intention to launder money from the buyer.
I believe that I have sufficient information to make a sound judgment concerning the contract. Information from the U.S. Commercial Service has been instrumental in making an informed decision. For instance, the lack of an authentic physical address could indicate a business scam. Additionally, the suppliers’ online description indicates a different company operating in the mill and textile products. Online money laundering activities begin as credible and genuine transactions using formal business communication (Jennings, 2014). However, the entities lack fundamental elements that determine a licensed or authorized venture. In addition, the bill of lading contains erroneous data concerning the shipment of 10,000 T-shirts. Collectively, the doubts caused by inaccurate details facilitate sufficient information for refusing the shipping document.
Both commercial regulations and ethical principles guide business practices. In this context, the supplier uses discounts to persuade buyers to acquire merchandise lower than usual. It is justifiable to accept the deal from a business perspective as it implies optimized profitability for the firm. Nonetheless, some business deals result in scams attributed to a substantial loss in financial resources. The case above implies a conflict of interest from the supplier side (Jennings, 2014). He/she could be an individual located away from Pakistan who uses socially disguising techniques to prove operational authenticity. Most importantly, the conflict of interest is imminent from the details provided concerning the shipment. The main option for this case entails rejecting further communication with the supplier regarding the placed order.
Emerging information from the ocean carrier cannot change the initial decision to dissociate from further dealings with the supplier. The business involved a particular transporter due to cost-saving reasons. For instance, the insurance and risk levels recorded by the ship are minimal hence reliable. The ship, Jhelum, could have been selected for its credibility in delivering international consignments. A call from the ocean carrier could be credible since the institution has been operational for a long (Jennings, 2014). The organization’s working experience is proven across the industry hence trusted by many buyers. It would be difficult to trust any information presented after refusing the erroneous document. Changing this decision could affect future dealings involving international shipping.
The contribution of ocean carrier in the transaction process is doubtful to a given extent. For instance, an informed importer of goods can establish possible conspiracy involving the supplier and the shipping agency. This is a common practice among unscrupulous businesspersons who seek assistance from insiders or internal workers of regulating authorities. Professionals working in different senior positions form a business network intended to exploit unsuspecting traders financially (Jennings, 2014). These individuals capitalize on weak administrative practices and low wages to engage internal employees in criminal activities. Consequently, emerging information from the ocean carrier of not having the Jhelum ship in its fleet should also be researched comprehensively. Most importantly, the message should be confirmed with a state agency such as the U.S. Commercial Service or the World Trade Organization (WTO).
In this scenario, the supplier is equipped with information that can convince any online trader. For instance, he or she offers to supply the consignment of 10,000 T-shirts at a relatively lower price than market value. In addition, concessions concerning delivery date are to persuade the buyer into making initial payment. This information is sufficient for convincing traders as most business transactions are determined by profitability (Jennings, 2014). Unfortunately, the increasing rate of online money laundering requires additional caution to avoid online money laundering scams. Internet technologies provide a useful business platform for the successful implementation of business goals. Guaranteed shipment of overseas orders is a critical element of modern organizations. Therefore, I would not change the initial decision despite the new information from ocean carriers.
The business deal entailing the supply of 10,000 T-shirts to a foreign client depicts a fraudulent scheme. Profit-making entities encounter financial losses from corrupt trade practices. Online fraudulent schemes involve several stakeholders who are professionally networked to exploit unsuspecting buyers. For instance, I have been a victim of financial scams in which several individuals send links redirecting one false competition. This situation is characterized by convincing information and persuasive details to persuade victims into making online payments. For instance, scammers can use different email addresses to contact a potential buyer of a discounted deal restricted to loyal clients. Similarly, fraudulent schemes involve sharing of sensitive personal details such as credit-card PINs, verification codes, and passwords. In this case, the individual who strives to exploit an international buyer can apply to any unsuspecting online user in diverse contexts.
Unsuspecting buyers become victims of fraudulent schemes due to a lack of sufficient information. For example, the supply from Pakistan can collude with a local individual in the U.S. to participate in the scheme. Their role would include convincing the buyer of the authenticity of a shipping consignment. Similarly, the unverified supplier can use different means of digital communication to prove the credibility of a transaction. This includes developing conceptual frameworks of the best possible activities that would defraud clients without suspicion. The trickery is executed in common online media, including Twitter, Instagram, Gmail, and Yahoo. Individuals who are unable to identify elements of credibility in communication can fall victims to money laundering practices.
Fraudulent schemes are also perpetrated against unsuspecting buyers due to inadequate business ethics. General principles that govern trade are attributed to specific characteristics. For instance, online buyers settle on products with the best-discounted price. Similarly, the individuals strive to attain the best quality among products accessed outside local markets. In this case, businesspersons with ill intentions capitalize on vital elements of a product when exploiting innocent buyers. This is evidenced in this case as the buyer is attracted to online products with relatively lower prices than market standards. Applying business ethics would be useful in avoiding instances resulting in significant financial losses. Fraudulent arrangements can be identified using inconsistent details in business documents and communication. Disparities in time, units of delivery, date, and other consignment details indicate a possible money laundering scheme.
Reference
Jennings, M. M. (2014). Business ethics: Case studies and selected readings (8th ed.). Cengage Learning.