Fake GeM Consultants: How to Spot and Avoid Fraud

As GeM has grown, so has a market of consultants — and unfortunately, not all of them are legitimate or competent.

Red flags to watch for: anyone demanding an unusually large upfront 'government registration fee' (registration itself carries no government fee), vague or evasive answers about their actual process, or pressure to move faster than careful document verification allows.

Legitimate advisors are typically transparent about what they charge for (their service fee, not a fictitious government charge), can explain the process clearly, and don't need to rush you into decisions.

Before engaging anyone, it's reasonable to ask for references, verify their claimed experience, and be skeptical of guarantees of specific bid outcomes — no legitimate advisor can guarantee you'll win a particular tender.

Frequently Asked Questions