Most buyers are honest. The problems start when a buyer’s story does not match their behavior.
Common Dishonest Buyer Tactics
- Claiming damage to force a partial refund.
- Swapping the item and filing a return.
- Using an address that does not match their location.
This guide shows a simple, non-invasive way to spot risky transactions before you ship.
The Core Idea
Check whether the buyer’s browsing location roughly matches their shipping city. A mismatch is not proof, but it is a strong signal to slow down.
Fast Checklist
- Is the shipping city consistent with the buyer’s location?
- Does the explanation for any mismatch make sense?
- Are they rushing you or avoiding normal questions?
Prepare a Normal Context Link
Send something relevant to the transaction:
- More photos or a short video of the item.
- The official manual or product page.
- A shipping carrier page to confirm service.
Keep it natural and helpful.
Shorten the Link with an IP Tracking Tool
Now, don't send the original link directly. Go to iplogger.icu, paste your "bait" link into the box, and generate a new, trackable short link.
Send the Link and Check the IP Address
Send this new short link to the buyer. Once they click on it, you can go to your iplogger.icu dashboard to see the IP address information of the click, including the most important detail: the geographic location (city).
Compare and Decide
Compare the two pieces of information:
- The city from the IP address: This is where the buyer is actually located.
- The city in the shipping address: This is where they want you to send the item.
🚩 Red Flag! Be Cautious If:
The IP address shows the buyer is in City A (e.g., Los Angeles), but the shipping address is in a distant City B (e.g., Miami), and they can't provide a reasonable explanation (like "I'm buying it for a family member").
This is a strong indicator of a "location mismatch," a major red flag for professional scammers.
Important Limitations
- IP location is approximate, not exact.
- VPNs and mobile networks can show different cities.
- Use this as a signal, not proof.
What to Do If You Find a Mismatch?
You have a few options:
- Cancel the transaction: This is the safest approach. You can make up an excuse like, "Sorry, I can't find the item anymore," or "My family decided they want to keep it." Avoid directly accusing them of being a scammer to prevent unnecessary conflict.
- Ask them to change the address: You can politely say, "For transaction security, the shipping address needs to match your current location."
- Document everything: If you still decide to proceed, make sure to take a detailed video of the packing process. Record the item's serial number (if any), the entire packing procedure, and the final package with the shipping label attached. Keep all chat logs as evidence.
Conclusion
The goal is verification, not confrontation. Use this method to slow down risky deals and protect yourself before shipping.