Overview #
In FraudLabs Pro, a device refers to the hardware that a buyer uses to visit an e-commerce site. It would mean a laptop, desktop, mobile, tablet and so on. And, each device will be assigned with a unique identifier using HTTP cookies for device validation tracking.
How Devices Are Identified #
Each device that visits an e-commerce site is assigned a unique identifier through the use of HTTP cookies. This process, known as device fingerprinting or device tracking, allows FraudLabs Pro to recognize and monitor a specific device across multiple sessions and transactions — even if the user logs out or clears certain browsing data.
When a buyer first visits a merchant’s site, a cookie containing this unique identifier is stored on their device. On subsequent visits, FraudLabs Pro reads this cookie to confirm whether the device has been seen before, helping to build a reliable history of activity tied to that hardware.
What Information Is Associated with a Device? #
Below are information associated with a device:
- User agent
- IP address
- Browser type
- Operating system
- First visit time
- Device type
Together, these data points form a more complete picture of the device, making it harder for bad actors to impersonate legitimate customers simply by changing their IP address or using a VPN.
Why Device Tracking Matters for Fraud Prevention #
Device tracking plays a critical role in identifying and preventing fraudulent transactions. Here’s why it matters:
- Detecting suspicious patterns — If a single device is associated with multiple different accounts or billing addresses, this can be a strong indicator of fraudulent behavior.
- Flagging high-risk devices — Devices that have previously been linked to chargebacks, fake accounts, or confirmed fraud attempts can be flagged automatically, alerting merchants before a transaction is approved.
- Linking transactions across sessions — Even if a fraudster clears cookies or uses a different browser, certain device attributes may still allow FraudLabs Pro to correlate activity across sessions.
- Reducing false positives — On the flip side, a trusted device with a long, clean purchase history can help confirm that a transaction is legitimate, reducing unnecessary friction for good customers.
Conclusion #
Understanding what a device is and how it is tracked is foundational to making the most of FraudLabs Pro’s fraud detection capabilities. By assigning each piece of hardware a unique identifier and building a transaction history around it, merchants gain a powerful layer of protection against fraudulent orders while maintaining a smooth experience for genuine buyers.