Test Purchases

Deep industry expertise

Our people have deep industry experience in tactics and operational security, and we can make B2B purchases using Covert Trading Entities (CTEs) to pass seller due diligence. We operate across all sectors including pharmaceutical and other restricted goods. Our other services include covert outreach, dark web trawling, covert engagement, and tech fraud scam call documentation.

Cost-effective range of services

We offer a bespoke approach to test purchasing, offered in tiers relating to the level of complexity and evidential control required. Each solution is different, considering factors such as geography, product type, evidential requirements, online vs in-person purchases, product return, storage, or destruction, and seller suspicion. We also provide expert advice on the most impactful and cost-effective strategy for clients.

Tier 1 Test Purchases

This tier can quickly deliver product in hand, to allow for analysis and determine if further investigation is warranted. This tier focuses on rapid acquisition and is ideal for clients who need a streamlined “click & buy” purchase with optional verification of product authenticity, without extensive documentation or legal evidence. Tier 1 test purchases can also be used as a cost-effective ‘Mystery Shopper’ service across 100+ countries.

Tier 2 Test Purchases

This tier includes more detailed reporting and evidence of chain of custody. Our team thoroughly documents the purchase process, ensuring all steps are meticulously recorded. This level of service is ideal for gathering robust evidence that can be used in legal proceedings or to support enforcement actions.

Tier 3 Test Purchases

Tier 3 is for more complex situations potentially involving lengthy interaction or operation within a B2B environment. It involves extensive undercover operations, including the use of pretext and covert communications, to engage with sellers over an extended period. This tier is designed for scenarios where infiltration and sustained interaction are necessary to uncover sophisticated illicit activities.

Reporting

Summarized purchase activity is provided in a detailed report that covers the entire purchase process from start to finish. Whether you need insights for intelligence analysis or evidence for civil litigation or criminal referrals, we provide thorough tracking and documentation. This includes target communications, product photos, receipts, shipping and delivery status, and proof of chain of custody. Reporting can of course be optional, if the client wants just the purchase service.

Product evaluation and verification

Determine authenticity with a detailed analysis of suspect counterfeit or otherwise infringing physical and digital evidence. Our specialist teams act on behalf of brands to receive, evaluate, and report on test purchases (digital or physical) against a brand’s specific indicators.

Where requested, we examine products and digital content by employing a range of advanced forensic techniques and technology to identify any discrepancies or signs of counterfeiting. Chemical analysis of products is also available with chain-of-custody controls.

We prepare comprehensive reports documenting our findings, including photographic evidence and expert opinions. With extensive experience in substantiating our findings in court, we are well-versed in providing testimony and presenting evidence in legal proceedings.

Storage and responsible disposal of test purchases

We provide forwarding of items to clients as well as local or centralized storage, including cold-chain and secure chain-of-custody controlled locations. 

We provide environmentally responsible disposal and certified destruction, but can also arrange for items to be repurposed or reused by charities in accordance with a client’s CSR priorities.