Fake COD orders: 11 signs to screen for before shipping
Priscila Alencar · 2026-10-07
Increasing e-commerce sales is essential, but it’s also crucial to reduce the risk of fraudulent orders, especially with options like COD (Cash on Delivery). Here are 11 signs to watch for:
• Invalid or repeated phone number
Check whether the phone number is valid. If it doesn’t meet the formatting requirements (such as area code and an 8- or 9-digit number) or has been used in previous orders, be suspicious. A repeated phone number may indicate an attempted fraud.
• Incomplete address
Addresses without complete information, such as a house number or apartment/unit number, are a red flag. Validate them using geolocation services or address verification tools.
• Multiple orders in minutes
If the same user places several orders within a short period (less than 10 minutes, for example), it may indicate suspicious intent. Monitor this activity and consider blocking it after a certain number of attempts.
• Generic name
Names like “John Smith” or “Jane Doe” are very common and could be a sign that an order is fake. Look for less common or more specific names. This can help identify fraud.
• Scoring and automatic blocking
Set up a scoring system to analyze order quality. If an order reaches a certain risk score, set rules for automatic blocking or manual review. Consider factors like purchase history and user behavior.
• Lack of engagement
Users who don’t engage with your brand—for example, they don’t click emails or visit the site after placing an order—are more likely to be fraudulent. You can monitor this with marketing automation tools.
• High-value orders with no history
If a new customer places a high-value order without any purchase history, that’s a red flag. Set a value limit for new customers and review orders that exceed it.
• Payment and product selection
If a customer selects high-value products and then switches to lower-cost items at checkout, it could be an attempt to fool the system. Monitor these changes and investigate.
• Return frequency
Customers who frequently return products can be a red flag. If a customer is regularly returning products, consider checking their history before accepting new orders.
• Shipping address far from the registered address
If the shipping address is very far from the registered address, it could mean the customer is trying to hide their real identity. This may be a sign of fraud.
• Identity verification
Set up an identity verification method for new customers, such as requesting an ID or phone confirmation. This can help prevent fraudulent orders.
By applying these screening criteria, you can significantly reduce the risk of fake COD orders.
How many orders have you been able to filter using these techniques? Share your numbers!