How to reduce fake COD orders and returns in Pakistan

Almost all online orders in Pakistan are paid cash on delivery, and every refused parcel costs you two-way courier charges and stock that sits in transit. Sellers who run ads often say a large share of new orders are fake or careless. This checklist covers what you can do before a parcel leaves.

1. Confirm every COD order before booking

A short WhatsApp message with the items, amount and address, asking for a 1 or 2 reply, removes most fake orders: they simply never answer. Copy our templates, or use ConfirmKaro to message a whole batch at once.

2. Learn the warning signs

• Phone number with too few or too many digits, or a landline.
• Several orders from the same number in a day.
• Address that is only a city or random letters ("abc", "test").
• Names with numbers in them, or one letter.
• A basket far larger than your usual order from a first-time customer.

ConfirmKaro flags these automatically when you load your orders.

3. Remind once, then cancel

Give no-replies one reminder after 12 to 24 hours. If there is still no answer, cancel and send a short message saying they can reply 1 to restore the order.

4. Ask for the delivery charge in advance on risky orders

For first-time customers with large baskets or flagged details, ask for the delivery charge by JazzCash, Easypaisa or bank transfer before dispatch. Real buyers usually agree; pranksters disappear.

5. Keep a list of refusers

Download "all with status" from ConfirmKaro each week and keep the numbers that cancelled after confirming or refused parcels. Check new orders against it.

6. Tell the customer when the parcel leaves

A dispatch message with the cash amount reminds them to be home and to keep the cash ready, which reduces "customer not available" returns.