Scamalytics: IP Fraud Scores, Risk Levels, API, and Alternatives

Last Updated: October 19, 2026

Scamalytics is an IP fraud-intelligence service that helps businesses assess the risk associated with an internet protocol (IP) address. It provides a proprietary fraud score from 0 to 100, along with network and connection information that can support fraud checks.

The score is a risk signal, not proof that a person, account, or transaction is fraudulent. A shared household connection, mobile network, VPN, or other privacy tool can complicate interpretation. A low score also cannot guarantee that a visitor is legitimate.

This guide explains Scamalytics’ published score bands, its lookup and integration options, how it compares with other IP-intelligence products, and how businesses can evaluate thresholds without relying on unsupported industry rules.

What Is Scamalytics?

Scamalytics provides IP-based fraud intelligence for organisations that want to assess online activity. Its products can be used to enrich decisions during actions such as account registration, login, or payment.

The central feature is the Scamalytics Risk Score, a proprietary score from 0 to 100 associated with the fraud risk of an IP address. The service also provides supporting information, including proxy and anonymisation signals, internet service provider (ISP) or network information, and geolocation data. The exact fields available depend on the product and applicable plan.

Scamalytics describes its scoring approach as using fraud feedback from a network of operators and applying that intelligence across nearby IP addresses and network ranges. This can mean that an address receives an elevated score even when that exact address has not been individually reported.

That is useful context, but it does not mean that every IP address near a reported address is fraudulent. The score should be interpreted as one part of a wider assessment.

What Do Scamalytics Scores Mean?

Scamalytics publishes four main risk categories for its 0–100 score.

Official score range	Risk category	How to interpret it
0–19	Low	No or relatively low known fraud risk in the provider’s scoring system
20–59	Medium	A signal that may justify additional checks, depending on the action
60–89	High	A stronger risk signal that may justify step-up verification or review
90–100	Very high	A strong risk signal that may justify blocking or manual review

These are the provider’s published categories, not universal rules that every website must follow. Scamalytics recommends using them as a starting point and adjusting decisions against a business’s own fraud data.

A low score does not mean guaranteed safety

An IP score describes risk associated with an address. It does not establish the identity, intentions, or behaviour of the person using it at that moment.

For example, a low score does not prove that a new account is genuine, that a payment will not be disputed, or that a login belongs to the account owner. Fraud can occur through IP addresses that do not have a high reputation score.

The reverse is also important. A high score does not prove that a particular visitor is committing fraud. Shared connections, reassigned IP addresses, corporate networks, mobile carriers, and privacy services can create situations in which an IP signal does not accurately represent an individual user’s intentions.

Use the score to guide the next check, not as a stand-alone verdict.

How Scamalytics’ Fraud Scoring Works

Scamalytics does not publish a complete formula that allows readers to reproduce its proprietary score. Its public product information does, however, describe several elements of its IP intelligence.

Fraud feedback and IP reputation

Scamalytics says its risk score uses fraud feedback collected from operators that report confirmed fraudulent activity. This information contributes to its assessment of IP addresses.

The exact weighting of individual reports, the complete scoring formula, and the timing of every score change are not established by the public description alone. It would therefore be inaccurate to claim that a particular incident always changes a score immediately.

IP neighbourhood and network information

An IP address belongs to a wider network environment. Scamalytics describes applying risk intelligence across IP neighbourhoods, including related subnets, autonomous systems (ASNs), and hosting blocks.

This approach can help identify patterns that a lookup of one address in isolation might miss. However, a network-level signal is not proof that every address in the same range has been used for fraud.

An ASN identifies an autonomous system operated by a network organisation. It does not identify the individual using a particular IP address.

Proxy, VPN, and anonymisation signals

Scamalytics provides proxy and anonymisation detection alongside its risk score. Its product information describes signals related to VPNs, Tor, and datacenter infrastructure, among other sources.

These classifications are not the same thing as a fraud verdict. People may use VPNs or other privacy tools for legitimate reasons, and not every address associated with a hosting provider is malicious. A signal’s availability and detail may also depend on the product being used.

Geolocation and ISP-related information

The service can return geolocation and network-related enrichment. Such information may help a business assess whether an IP address fits the context of a particular interaction.

Geolocation is an estimate, not a reliable way to identify a person or exact physical location. ISP or organisation fields describe the network associated with an address; they do not necessarily identify the owner of an individual connection or its end user.

Why scores and classifications can change

IP addresses may be reassigned, traffic patterns can change, and intelligence sources may be updated. As a result, a lookup made at one time may not produce the same result later.

The public product description does not establish a universal update schedule for every field or score. Avoid assuming that a score changes immediately after a reported event or that all supporting datasets refresh at the same frequency.

Where Can Scamalytics Be Used?

Scamalytics describes its products for businesses and online platforms that need IP-based fraud intelligence. Possible uses include the following.

Account registration

A website may use an IP score as one signal when deciding whether a new registration needs an additional check. Other signals, such as account history, device information, email verification, and rate limits, can help provide context.

An IP score alone cannot confirm that a person is using a fake identity or attempting to create fraudulent accounts.

Login and account security

A business may review IP risk alongside login history, device changes, unusual access patterns, and existing account signals. A high-risk IP result may justify an additional authentication step, but the decision should consider the potential harm of blocking a legitimate account.

Payments and e-commerce

An online store or payment service may use IP intelligence as one input in a wider fraud assessment. The score can be considered alongside transaction history, billing information, account age, and other appropriate checks.

It should not be treated as a guarantee that a payment will succeed safely or that a high-scoring visitor is committing fraud.

Dating and social platforms

A dating or social platform may use IP intelligence to help assess suspicious registrations or activity. However, an IP score cannot establish that a user is a romance scammer, and it cannot guarantee that a scam will be prevented.

Additional controls and evidence are needed before making consequential decisions about an account.

Traffic and abuse investigations

Analysts may use IP lookups to investigate suspicious traffic or review patterns across a group of addresses. Scamalytics’ bulk lookup option is intended for users who need to process IP addresses without building a real-time integration.

The suitability of any use case depends on the available fields, the business’s needs, and how the results are evaluated.

How Should a Business Choose a Risk Threshold?

There is no evidence in the supplied research establishing universal Scamalytics thresholds for dating platforms, AI services, fintech, or e-commerce. Exact cutoffs such as “block above 40” or “allow below 20” should not be presented as industry standards without credible supporting evidence.

The provider’s official bands are a starting point. A business should determine its own actions by measuring how the score relates to actual outcomes in its environment.

Start with the action, not just the score

Registration, login, and payment are different decisions. Blocking a registration, challenging a login, and declining a payment can have different consequences for both the business and legitimate users.

Before setting a threshold, decide what each action is meant to protect against and what the cost of a false positive would be.

Decision	Questions to answer
Registration	What evidence identifies a genuinely abusive registration? How much friction can a new user reasonably be asked to complete?
Login	What other signals indicate account takeover or unusual access? Can the system request stronger authentication instead of blocking access?
Payment	What other transaction signals are available? What is the cost of missed fraud compared with a legitimate order being declined?
Traffic review	Is the aim to identify automated abuse, investigate a pattern, or apply an access restriction? What additional evidence is needed?

Validate proposed thresholds with known outcomes

A threshold should be treated as a hypothesis until it has been evaluated against relevant data. A practical evaluation process is:

1. Collect suitable historical data. Include IP scores and outcomes that are known or have been reviewed. A sample of arbitrary IP addresses cannot show whether a rule works.
2. Separate different actions. Evaluate registration, login, and payment decisions separately rather than assuming one threshold suits all three.
3. Measure false positives. Count legitimate users or transactions that the proposed rule would challenge or block.
4. Measure missed fraud. Check how much known or confirmed fraud would still pass under the proposed rule.
5. Compare more than one policy. For example, assess whether an additional verification step produces a better trade-off than automatic blocking.
6. Review the results before deployment. Use a controlled rollout or other suitable evaluation process, with a way to reverse changes if the outcomes are poor.
7. Reassess when conditions change. Traffic patterns, customer populations, and available intelligence can change, so review the policy when the evidence suggests it may no longer fit.

There is no universal sample size or review schedule that guarantees a reliable threshold. The amount and quality of data required depend on traffic volume, the rarity of fraud, the consequences of errors, and the statistical method used.

Do not treat privacy tools as proof of abuse

A VPN, proxy, Tor connection, or datacenter address can be relevant to an investigation, but the classification alone does not establish malicious intent. Businesses should consider whether the user has a legitimate reason to use that connection and whether other evidence supports a restriction.

For high-impact decisions, consider a step-up check or manual review when appropriate. Keep a record of the policy used and the reasons for a decision so that false positives can be investigated.

Scamalytics vs IPQualityScore vs IP2Location

Scamalytics, IPQualityScore, and IP2Location offer overlapping but different types of IP intelligence. Their features vary by product, plan, and configuration. The comparison below describes their published product focus; it is not a ranking of detection accuracy.

Provider	Documented product focus	What to consider
Scamalytics	Proprietary IP fraud-risk scoring, IP-neighbourhood intelligence, proxy and anonymisation detection, and supporting network information	Consider it when a fraud-risk score and related IP intelligence fit the intended workflow
IPQualityScore (IPQS)	Proxy and VPN detection, IP reputation and fraud-related signals, and APIs for fraud-prevention workflows	Review the specific endpoint, response fields, settings, and false-positive controls needed by the application
IP2Location / IP2Location.io	IP geolocation, network and ASN information, and product-dependent proxy or security fields	Check the exact database or API plan; available fraud and proxy fields differ across products

Do not assume that these services return interchangeable scores. One product may provide a proprietary fraud-risk score, while another may emphasize proxy classification, geolocation, or a broader set of enrichment fields. Even when two services return numerical scores, the values may use different scales, definitions, and methods.

How to compare providers fairly

A meaningful comparison needs more than a few lookup results. If performance matters to your decision, use a reproducible method:

• Choose the exact products and plans to compare.
• Use the same suitable IP sample and record the lookup date and relevant settings.
• Define what counts as a correct result. Proxy identification, geolocation, and confirmed fraud are different outcomes.
• Compare results against reliable labels or independently reviewed outcomes.
• Measure false positives as well as missed fraud.
• Record missing fields, errors, and differences in response time under comparable network conditions.

Without this type of testing, it is not possible to conclude that one provider is more accurate, detects every active VPN instantly, or updates its records faster than another.

Why can tools disagree about the same IP?

Different results can arise because products may measure different things, use different data sources, define risk differently, or expose different fields. Data may also be updated at different times.

For example, imagine a hypothetical address that receives a low fraud score from one provider and a higher score from another. That difference alone does not show which provider is correct. The scores might not measure the same outcome, and neither result proves that the current user is fraudulent.

Treat provider differences as a reason to investigate the underlying fields and methods, not as proof that one service is wrong.

How to Check an IP Address with Scamalytics

Scamalytics provides a public IP lookup page. It can be a useful starting point for someone who wants to inspect an address without first building an API integration.

1. Open the Scamalytics IP lookup page.
2. Review the address shown by the tool, if it identifies the visitor’s public IP automatically, or enter the IP address you want to check if the interface offers that option.
3. Read the displayed score and risk category.
4. Review any supporting fields that the page provides, such as network, location, or proxy-related information.
5. Interpret the result as an IP-level signal. Do not treat the displayed score as a verdict about a person or as a guarantee that a connection is safe.

The public interface may show the address through which your current request reaches the service. A VPN, proxy, corporate network, or other network setup can mean that this differs from the address you expected. Confirm the displayed address before drawing conclusions.

The available output and presentation may change. Do not assume that every field returned by an API is also displayed in the public lookup interface.

Scamalytics API, Bulk Lookups, and Pricing

Scamalytics describes three integration options: a real-time API, an on-premises MMDB product, and a bulk IP lookup tool. They serve different workflows.

Real-time API

The API is intended for applications that need to look up IP information during a live workflow. The documented response uses JSON and can include a fraud score plus available supporting intelligence.

Scamalytics’ product information describes API processing in 50 milliseconds or less, excluding the time required for the network request. This is a provider-stated processing figure, not a guarantee that every end-to-end request will complete within that time. Actual latency can depend on the network, deployment, request path, and application architecture.

API access and credentials

Start with Scamalytics’ current product and API documentation to identify the access route, account requirements, available fields, and credential process. Its public product information offers a free API tier, and the provider also publishes an API enquiry route. The exact process can depend on the product or account arrangement.

Do not assume that every user receives credentials through the same account-area workflow. Follow the current registration or enquiry instructions, and confirm that the selected plan includes the fields and request volume the integration requires.

Pricing and lookup credits

At the time of research for this article, Scamalytics’ published pricing page listed a free allowance of 5,000 monthly lookups and paid options with higher monthly allowances. Its pricing page states that API and bulk lookups share the monthly allowance, and unused lookups do not carry over.

Pricing, credit limits, and plan conditions can change. Check the current pricing page before choosing a plan or estimating operating costs.

Bulk IP lookups

The bulk tool is designed for analysts who need to review many IP addresses without writing an integration. Scamalytics describes a workflow that can return an enriched CSV report.

Before uploading a dataset, confirm the current supported workflow, output fields, account terms, and report-retention arrangements. Do not assume that every field available in a real-time API response will appear in every bulk report or plan.

Bulk IP intelligence is not a substitute for email verification or email-list cleaning. It evaluates IP addresses; it does not directly establish whether an email address is valid.

On-premises MMDB

Scamalytics also offers an on-premises MMDB option for organisations that need to process lookups within their own infrastructure. This may be relevant where high query volumes, latency requirements, or data-handling requirements influence the architecture.

Check the product’s current terms, licensing, update arrangements, and available data before deciding whether it meets the application’s needs.

Practical API Integration and Security

An IP lookup is most useful when the application has a clear plan for interpreting the response and handling failures.

Place the lookup at the right point

Decide whether the application needs an IP check during registration, login, payment, or a separate investigation. The result should be evaluated alongside other relevant signals rather than automatically deciding every case.

Avoid applying the same rule to all actions just because they use the same API.

Set timeouts using real measurements

A timeout such as 300 milliseconds is not a universal production recommendation. Measure the complete request path under realistic conditions and set timeouts according to the application’s latency budget, reliability requirements, and user experience.

Test how the application behaves when the provider is slow, unavailable, or returns an error. Monitor failure rates and response times so that operational problems are not mistaken for a change in fraud risk.

Design an explicit failure policy

If a lookup fails, the application needs a deliberate policy. Automatically allowing every transaction can bypass an intended fraud control; automatically blocking every user can create unnecessary disruption.

Choose a response based on the action’s risk and consequences. Depending on the use case, options may include a retry, an alternative check, temporary manual review, a step-up verification process, or a restricted decision. Document the choice and test it during simulated outages.

Protect API credentials and IP data

Keep API credentials on the server side or in an appropriate secret-management system. Do not expose private keys in browser code, public repositories, or client-visible logs. Limit access, rotate credentials when needed, and monitor unexpected usage.

IP addresses and lookup results may be sensitive operational or personal data depending on the context and applicable law. Collect and retain only what the application needs, control access, and define retention and deletion practices. Confirm the provider’s current data-handling terms before sending production traffic.

Common Mistakes When Using Scamalytics

Treating the score as proof

An IP score is not a confirmed fraud finding about an individual. Use additional evidence before taking consequential action against a user or account.

Blocking every VPN or proxy connection

Privacy tools and shared connections can be used for legitimate purposes. A classification may justify additional context or a check, but it does not automatically establish abuse.

Assuming a shared IP tells the whole story

A household, office, school, mobile carrier, or public network can serve many users. An IP-level signal cannot reliably attribute one person’s actions to every other person sharing the address.

Applying one threshold to every action

Registration, login, payment, and traffic investigation have different risks and consequences. Evaluate each workflow separately.

Comparing numerical scores as if they were equivalent

Providers may use different definitions and scoring systems. Compare the meaning of the fields, their documented scope, and their performance against suitable outcomes instead of ranking services by score alone.

Ignoring false positives

Track legitimate users who are challenged or blocked as well as fraud that passes through. Without both measures, a policy may appear effective simply because it creates more friction.

Keeping a rule without checking its results

A threshold should not be treated as permanently correct. Review it when evidence, user behaviour, traffic patterns, or business requirements change. A regular review can help identify problems, but the review itself does not guarantee better performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Scamalytics used for?

Scamalytics provides IP-based fraud intelligence, including a proprietary risk score and supporting network information. Businesses may use those signals as part of wider fraud checks, depending on their product and needs.

What do Scamalytics’ score ranges mean?

Its published categories are 0–19 low, 20–59 medium, 60–89 high, and 90–100 very high. These describe the provider’s IP risk assessment; they are not a guarantee that a user or transaction is safe or fraudulent.

Is a low Scamalytics score safe?

Not necessarily. A low score indicates relatively low known risk within the provider’s scoring system. It cannot rule out fraud or prove that an account, person, or transaction is legitimate.

Does a high score prove that someone is a scammer?

No. It is an IP-level risk signal, not proof of an individual’s intent or behaviour. Consider other evidence and the consequences of a false positive before making a decision.

Can I check an IP address without using the API?

Scamalytics provides a public IP lookup interface. The available fields and interface behaviour may differ from the API, so review the information shown by the current page.

Does Scamalytics offer API access?

Yes. Scamalytics documents a real-time API and publishes access information for its products. Check the current API documentation and registration or enquiry process for the credentials and plan that fit your requirements.

Does Scamalytics have a free tier?

Its published pricing page listed a free allowance of 5,000 monthly lookups at the time of research for this article. Confirm the current pricing and terms before relying on that allowance.

Why might two IP-intelligence providers give different results?

They may use different data sources, score definitions, classifications, or update schedules. A fraud score, a proxy classification, and geolocation data are not identical measures. A fair comparison requires defined outcomes and comparable test conditions.

Should a business use the same score threshold for every workflow?

No universal threshold is established for all businesses or actions. Evaluate registration, login, payment, and other workflows against relevant outcomes, including false positives and missed fraud.

Can bulk IP lookup clean an email list?

Not directly. Bulk IP lookup evaluates IP addresses and related intelligence. Email verification is a separate task and requires a suitable email-focused tool or process.

Final Thoughts

Scamalytics can provide useful IP fraud intelligence, but its score should be treated as one input rather than a final judgment. Its published risk bands offer a starting point, while the right action depends on the application, other available signals, and the consequences of an incorrect decision.

For a business considering Scamalytics, the practical next steps are to confirm the product and fields required, understand the access and pricing terms, test a proposed policy against representative data with known outcomes, and plan for false positives and service failures. Keep the evaluation focused on measurable results rather than assuming that a particular score or review schedule will work for every organisation.

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