Most fraud filters rely on data. But many merchants rely on instinct first.
When you've been in the business long enough, you start noticing the patterns. Something small doesn't sit right: a strange delivery note, a last-minute address change, or a question that arrives too early in the process. These aren't always signs of fraud, but sometimes they're the only warning you'll get.
This guide breaks down what experienced merchants look for when an order doesn't feel right. No alarms, no flags, just a gut feeling backed by practice.
1. Strange or Overly Specific Delivery Instructions
Fraudsters often try to control the delivery process. That can mean:
- "Leave behind dumpster near gate."
- "Call me at a different number before delivery."
- "Don't require a signature."
These requests aim to bypass standard delivery protections like signatures or verified addresses. Legitimate customers do ask for custom delivery instructions, especially for apartments or businesses. But when the request feels oddly urgent or unusually detailed, it's worth a second look.
If the delivery note feels like it's written to avoid accountability, pause.
2. Card Switching Before Checkout
One of the most common behavioral red flags is the switch from one card to another right before the order is submitted.
Maybe they try two or three different cards within a few minutes. Maybe they use one card to check shipping rates, then a different one to finalize the order.
This behavior often signals testing. Fraudsters will use stolen card numbers to see which ones go through. And once they find one that works, they'll place the order fast.
You can monitor this by tracking changes at the checkout step or watching for frequent declines followed by a successful transaction.
3. Inconsistent Email and Shipping Info
Pay close attention to:
- Emails with random strings of letters and numbers
- Emails that don't match the customer's name
- A mismatch between billing and shipping country
These small inconsistencies can slip past automated checks. But together, they paint a picture of risk. A customer with a clean-looking Gmail address is one thing. An address like "[email protected]" linked to a $1,000 order shipped across the globe is another.
Fraud prevention isn't just about the card, it's about the context.
4. Questions That Come Too Early
One seller shared that their fraud radar goes off when customers ask about return policies before even placing an order. Or when a buyer wants to know how soon a refund would be processed. These questions aren't suspicious on their own. But the timing matters.
A genuine customer usually asks about product specs or shipping times. A fraudster might focus on what happens after they get the goods.
If a conversation starts with, "Can I return this for a refund if I don't like it?" before the customer has placed anything in their cart, stay alert.
5. Urgency That Doesn't Match the Order
Rush orders can be perfectly normal. But when someone is in a huge hurry and all the other signs above are present, it's worth taking a step back.
Examples:
- Overnight shipping on a bulk electronics order
- A first-time customer requesting express delivery to a hotel
- Pressure to "process ASAP" after hours
Fraudsters want the item in hand before the chargeback can catch up. High-speed shipping helps them stay ahead of the dispute process. This is especially common in digital goods, electronics, or luxury items.
6. The Story Doesn't Add Up
Sometimes it's not the data, it's the behavior. One merchant mentioned a buyer who called in and claimed their nephew had placed the order accidentally, before the order had even been fulfilled. Another noticed that a customer gave three different explanations for why they needed to change their shipping address.
People make mistakes. But if someone seems to be over-explaining something simple, it can be a red flag.
Good fraud prevention doesn't rely on just one signal. It's about patterns, pressure, and the little things that feel out of place.
Merchant Takeaway: Trust the Pattern, Not Just the Profile
Many of these sketchy orders looked fine on paper. The card passed. The AVS matched. The IP address checked out.
But the order still felt off.
That's what makes manual review so important. You know your business, your typical customer, and how a clean transaction should look. When something breaks that pattern, even subtly, it's okay to pause.
Some merchants have even created internal checklists for gut-check reviews. If an order hits more than one soft flag, it gets held for manual review or a quick verification call.
Fraud tools are improving. But behavior still matters.
Real Example from a Merchant
"We had someone order five pairs of expensive headphones, all to different names but one billing address. Each order used a different card, and they came in within minutes. Nothing flagged at checkout, but it felt way too clean. We held the orders and reached out. Four of the cards were stolen. The fifth one got charged back two weeks later."
FAQ: Evaluating Orders That Just Feel Off
What are some common behavioral red flags for fraud?
Odd delivery instructions, card switching, inconsistent email names, and urgent shipping requests are all common. Fraudsters often act quickly and try to control the process.
Should I cancel an order just because something feels off?
Not always. It's better to flag the order for manual review or reach out to the customer. Ask for confirmation details or request a quick phone call if needed.
Can fraud still happen even if the card is authorized?
Yes. Authorization only means the card was approved. It doesn't confirm that the person using it is the rightful cardholder. That's why extra checks matter.
What tools help detect these behaviors?
Some platforms log user behavior during checkout. Others allow you to view declined transactions or card attempts. But in many cases, the first warning comes from the merchant's own experience.
Don't Let Sketchy Orders Slip Through the Cracks
Chargeblast gives you tools that highlight these soft signs of fraud, even when everything looks clean on the surface. Our system doesn't just look at the card. It looks at the story behind the transaction.
Let Chargeblast help you catch the fraud your filters miss before it becomes a chargeback.
