Introduction
Rivo has many different tools and checks each time a referral link is used. An overview of the fraud protection tools is below.
✨ Referral campaigns are available on plans that include referrals. See pricing →
Fraud prevention tools
Our tools are built-in to the referrals platform and provide multiple layers of protection. Most work automatically, while some can be customized in your referral settings dashboard.
IP address check to ensure only one referral per household
We track IP addresses to help prevent referrals from the same Wi-Fi network or IP address as the advocate (for example, in the same household).
You can also allow IP thresholds from referral settings for shared networks (for example, offices or campuses). When enabled, up to 10 referrals per week are allowed before additional referrals from the same IP are blocked.
Enhanced self-referral blocking by email
If an advocate tries to refer themselves, the system can block the referral based on email matching checks.
This includes exact email matches plus common email variation tricks. For example, if the advocate’s email is “[email protected]”, trying “[email protected]” won’t work for the friend.
Shared phone number detection
If the advocate and referred customer share the same phone number, the referral can be blocked automatically.
Checkout address matching
You can enable a setting to block referrals when the friend’s checkout shipping address matches the advocate’s address.
Referral link cookies
We use cookie tracking to stop people from referring themselves using different email addresses through the same browser.
Referral Share Links
Rivo uses Share Links technology to create a custom referral experience unique to each merchant. This experience is customized and contains protection tools built in.
Existing customer validation
Referrals are only applicable for new customers to your shop. Our system performs comprehensive checks:
Purchase history check: If someone tries to refer an email address that has already purchased from your brand, the system will automatically block it
Account existence check: The system verifies that the referred email doesn’t belong to an existing customer account
Order timing validation: We check account age and order history to help prevent referrals from existing customers
This ensures that referral rewards are only given for genuinely new customers.
Advocate referral limits
Some shops can set limits for how many referrals an advocate can generate in referral settings (for example, monthly and total referral limits).
Order IP address verification
Rivo can also compare referral signup IP addresses with prior order IP addresses to identify suspicious patterns. Availability can vary by shop setup.
Minimum Cart Requirements and conditions for rewards
As the merchant, you can configure specific reward amounts to reach for the referral to apply. These will automatically apply to your emails if you use the dynamic email variable called ###{{reward_tos}}.
For example, for the advocate to earn a reward, the friend should make a purchase that meets $100 or more from the new arrivals collection.
Reward timing controls
By default, advocate rewards are sent when a qualifying order is placed.
You can also configure your referral settings to send advocate rewards after fulfillment, and optionally delay the send time after fulfillment.
Manual exclusion and management tools
You have complete control over who can participate in your referral program:
Shadow ban capability: Silently exclude any customer from the referral program with the click of a button, right from their customer profile
Referral status management: View and manage referral statuses (pending, completed, blocked) from your dashboard
Unblocking capability: Manually unblock referrals that were automatically blocked if you determine they’re legitimate
When a customer is excluded from your program, they won’t be able to participate in referrals.
Unique discount codes and security
Rewards are specified and limited to the friend or advocate to whom they belong. Each discount code is unique and cannot be shared or reused by others.
Translating your error messaging
The default translation labels and messages are listed below. You can edit these in Branding > Translation.
Message Type
Default Error Message
Referrals general invalid title
We’re Sorry
Referrals general invalid
Sorry, looks like this referral is invalid
Referrals similar ip invalid
We are unable to process referrals within the same IP address
Referrals code invalid
This referral code is invalid
Referrals already visited
Already visited this page
Referrals program disabled
This referral program is disabled
Referrals email already claimed
This email has already been claimed
Referrals account already claimed
You already have an account. You can invite your friends to win rewards!
Common questions
Can I manually exclude a customer from the referrals program?
Yes! You can click here to learn how to exclude a customer.
Can an advocate try to refer a friend who is an existing customer and who has placed past orders but never used a referral discount code?
When the friend submits their email address, Rivo runs fraud checks before issuing rewards. One of these checks is whether the email has purchase history. If the customer placed an order previously, the referral is marked as blocked. Learn more about statuses here.
What happens when a referral is blocked?
When a referral is blocked, no rewards are issued to either the advocate or the friend. The referral appears in your dashboard with a “blocked” status, and you can see the specific reason it was blocked. You can manually unblock referrals if you determine they’re legitimate.
How do IP address thresholds work?
By default, any referral from the same IP address is blocked. When you enable IP thresholds, the system allows up to 10 referrals per week from the same IP address before blocking additional ones. This can be useful for businesses like colleges or offices where multiple legitimate customers share the same IP address.
Can I customize the fraud detection settings?
Yes. You can configure several fraud prevention settings in your referral dashboard, including IP blocking, IP thresholds, checkout address matching, attribution settings, and reward timing.
What’s the difference between automatic and manual fraud detection?
Automatic fraud checks run during referral activity and can block ineligible referrals based on your configured settings. Manual tools let you review referral records, block or unblock referrals, and manage customer participation when needed.