How Do Online Services Verify Correspondence Address vs Permanent Address?

[Labrat88]

Okay so here’s the deal:

I was ordering something off a platform — not sketchy, just regular stuff — and the app suddenly asks for proof of address.

Now, I don’t want to give up my personal residential address for obvious reasons (privacy, OPSEC, etc). So my question is:

Can I get away with using a correspondence address (like a virtual mailbox or mail forwarding service)? Or do these services actually verify that it’s where I live?

Just trying to figure out where the line is when it comes to address verification.

 

[tyson88]

Okay so here’s the deal:

I was ordering something off a platform — not sketchy, just regular stuff — and the app suddenly asks for proof of address.

Now, I don’t want to give up my personal residential address for obvious reasons (privacy, OPSEC, etc). So my question is:

Can I get away with using a correspondence address (like a virtual mailbox or mail forwarding service)? Or do these services actually verify that it’s where I live?

Just trying to figure out where the line is when it comes to address verification.

Most of these platforms don’t verify addresses in real-time. They’re just collecting it to match with your ID or payment method. If they do ask for proof, all they’re looking for is a utility bill or bank statement with your name + that address. Easy to spoof with a template + PDF editor.

 

[Labrat88]

Most of these platforms don’t verify addresses in real-time. They’re just collecting it to match with your ID or payment method. If they do ask for proof, all they’re looking for is a utility bill or bank statement with your name + that address. Easy to spoof with a template + PDF editor.

So you’re saying if I slap my name on a bank statement template with the virtual address, they’ll buy it? Even if it’s a UPS store or something?

 

[tyson88]

So you’re saying if I slap my name on a bank statement template with the virtual address, they’ll buy it? Even if it’s a UPS store or something?

Yup. Just avoid addresses that scream “fake” like P.O. boxes or weird suite numbers. Use one that looks corporate — “Unit 304, 123 Main St” works. They don’t check the lease; they just want the doc.

 

[LetsCleanItTogether]

The key is: permanent address is what they report to authorities or for compliance. Correspondence is just for mail. If the app isn’t a bank or government, they probably don’t care.


For ecom sites, it’s just so they know where to send stuff and cross-check for fraud.

 

[Labrat88]

The key is: permanent address is what they report to authorities or for compliance. Correspondence is just for mail. If the app isn’t a bank or government, they probably don’t care.


For ecom sites, it’s just so they know where to send stuff and cross-check for fraud.

Makes sense. But what if they ask for both? I’ve seen apps where it asks for “residential” AND “shipping” address.

 

[LetsCleanItTogether]

Makes sense. But what if they ask for both? I’ve seen apps where it asks for “residential” AND “shipping” address.

Just give ‘em the same for both — your correspondence address. Most don’t dig unless something’s off. If they ever contact you about it, say you’re staying with family, or recently moved.

 

[Horkos]

Here’s what I do:

1. Use a virtual address that does accept mail.

2. Photoshop a phone/internet bill to match the name + address.

3. Make sure metadata is clean (exif scrubbed, no weird fonts).

90% of sites just do a visual check. They don’t call the utility company.

 

[Labrat88]

Here’s what I do:

1. Use a virtual address that does accept mail.

2. Photoshop a phone/internet bill to match the name + address.

3. Make sure metadata is clean (exif scrubbed, no weird fonts).

90% of sites just do a visual check. They don’t call the utility company.

Lol damn okay, I was being too cautious. Do they ever ask for video proof or live verification?

 

[Horkos]

Lol damn okay, I was being too cautious. Do they ever ask for video proof or live verification?

Only in crypto or high-risk financial apps. If it’s ecom, cloud services, or even most gig apps — it’s just docs. Anything more than that means you’re being flagged or doing something dumb.

 

[LevelUpLarry]

If it’s for shipping only, they don’t care. If it’s for identity, just make sure the address isn’t flagged. Some virtual address services are blacklisted. Run it through fraud check sites before using.

 

[Labrat88]

If it’s for shipping only, they don’t care. If it’s for identity, just make sure the address isn’t flagged. Some virtual address services are blacklisted. Run it through fraud check sites before using.

Gotcha. Any free tools to check if an address is flagged or blacklisted?

 

[LevelUpLarry]

Gotcha. Any free tools to check if an address is flagged or blacklisted?

Try Scamalytics, FraudGuard, or just Google the address + “fraud” or “scam” to see what pops up. Some fraud forums maintain lists too.

 

[M.O.A.B]

Realistically, 90% of online services want the illusion of legitimacy. If your documents look clean and your address isn’t from a red-flag zip code, you’re in the clear. Nobody’s sending private investigators to a mailbox.

 

[krunkerio]

TL;DR — you don’t need to give your personal residence unless it’s something regulated (like banking or taxes). For everything else, a correspondence address will work as long as your paperwork looks good.

 

[Helsenburg1222]

Because your real address is none of their damn business.

 

[Labrat88]

TL;DR — you don’t need to give your personal residence unless it’s something regulated (like banking or taxes). For everything else, a correspondence address will work as long as your paperwork looks good.

Appreciate it y’all. Gonna set up a new virtual box and prep some docs. Y’all saved me from accidentally giving up too much.

 

[Helsenburg1222]

I’ve passed ID verifications using a Regus address and a fake utility bill PDF. As long as the address looks real and isn’t obviously fake (no Suite 999999), you’re good.


Bonus: Regus lets you Google-street-view the place so it looks like a legit business hub.

 

[Labrat88]

I’ve passed ID verifications using a Regus address and a fake utility bill PDF. As long as the address looks real and isn’t obviously fake (no Suite 999999), you’re good.


Bonus: Regus lets you Google-street-view the place so it looks like a legit business hub.

Damn that’s genius — didn’t even think to check what it looks like on Street View. Helps if they do visual checks.

 

[Helsenburg1222]

Damn that’s genius — didn’t even think to check what it looks like on Street View. Helps if they do visual checks.

100%. If the front looks shady, don’t use it. Go for corporate-looking buildings in business districts. Safer.