• Skip to main content
  • Skip to after header navigation
  • Skip to site footer

Guide to Combating Corruption & Fraud in Infrastructure Development Projects

  • Detection
    • Complaints
      • General initial interview questions
      • How to Generate Complaints and Reports
      • List of fraud reporting sites for Multilateral Development Banks
    • Red Flags
      • Red Flags Listed by Project Cycle
      • “Visible red flags” of Implementation Fraud
      • Proactive Fraud Detection Tests
    • Due Diligence
      • “Top Five” Due Diligence Background Checks
      • Free and Subscription Internet Sites
      • Local and On-Site Due Diligence Checks
      • Due Diligence Service Providers
  • Proof
    • Proving Common Schemes
      • Corruption Schemes
      • Bid Rigging Schemes
      • Collusive Bidding Schemes
      • Fraud Schemes
      • The Basic Steps of a Complex Fraud and Corruption Investigation
    • Elements of Proof for Sanctionable Offenses
      • Elements of Proof of Corrupt Practices
      • Elements of Proof of Obstructive Practices
      • Elements of Proof of Coercive Practices
      • Elements of Proof of Collusive Practices
      • Elements of Proof of Fraudulent Practices
  • Evidence
    • The Basics of Evidence for Investigators
  • Prevention
    • Anti-fraud Resources
Home » Detection » Red Flags of Corruption, Bid Rigging and Other Schemes » Red Flag: Bidder Not Listed in Directories or on Internet

Red Flag: Bidder Not Listed in Directories or on Internet

Firms in which project officials hold undisclosed interests often are shell companies that are organized merely to bid on a particular contract.  Such companies usually are not listed in business or telephone directories or on the internet.

In some collusive bidding cases the winning bidder prepares and submits losing bids from shell companies to give the appearance of competition.   Such “companies” most likely will not be listed in directories or appear on the internet.

This red flag can indicate the following schemes:

  • Hidden interests
  • Collusive bidding
  • Fictitious contractor

Click on the schemes listed above to see more information on each scheme, a more complete listing of their red flags and steps to determine if the schemes are actually present.

Category: Red Flags of Corruption, Bid Rigging and Other Schemes

International Anti-Corruption
Resource Center

Washington, DC
info@iacrc.org

IACRC - International Anti-Corruption Resource Center

© 2025 · IACRC · Guide to Combating Corruption & Fraud in Infrastructure Development Projects · All Rights Reserved