To trace IP address (Internet Protocol) address is the process of identifying the geographical or network location of a device connected to the internet using its IP address. This can be useful for various purposes, including troubleshooting network issues, investigating cybercrimes, and enhancing online security. Here are the key steps and considerations when tracing an IP address:
Ways to Trace IP address
If you want to trace IP address for a sender from an anonymous email, spoofed text message, fake social media profile, or on an online platform, there are several ways to trace an IP address.
Email Header Metadata
If you are trying to trace the source of an email, you can examine the email headers. These headers often contain information about the sender’s IP address and the path the email took to reach your inbox. Instructions for viewing email headers vary depending on the email client you are using.
Click here to learn how to trace IP address from Outlook, ProtonMail, and Gmail.
Rexxfield Cyber Investigators
Our team of cybercrime investigators specialize in positively identifying IP addresses and collecting additional user data from individuals who engage in harassment or disrupt your business. All our investigative methods adhere to legal standards, are admissible in court, and carry substantial weight. We also testify in court if needed.
Once identified, many trolls are inclined to remove the offensive content out of fear of potential criminal or civil legal consequences. If their actions persist, our investigative work and the evidence we gather can empower you to pursue injunctive relief through legal action or criminal charges.
VPN, Proxy and Tor
Quote: Everyone online would love to remain anonymous. But fortunately, this isn’t 100% possible.
Individuals engaged in malicious activities and harassment often have technical knowledge and, in some cases, use anonymity tools like proxies, VPN services, or the anonymous Tor Network to hide their identities and internet activity. Consequently, obtaining actionable data about the antagonist can be exceedingly challenging. Even well-known platforms like Google may not have access to a user’s genuine IP address when they utilize VPNs or proxies. Nevertheless, our seasoned cyber investigators possess the expertise to overcome VPNs, ultimately revealing an individual’s true identity.
A VPN hides someone’s true IP address and geolocation, amongst other things, but it doesn’t protect someone’s full account activity and anonymous browsing 100% of the time.
Subpoena Discovery Records
If you have the assistance of law enforcement or a lawyer, you can serve a subpoena to the phone carrier, email provider, social platform, or other, to produce documents, electronically stored information about a specific phone number, profile, email address, etc. A subpoena may only be served with the leave of the Court. The antagonist most likely used a fake name, email, and phone number to sign up for services, but what is of interest are the IP addresses, user-agents, etc. By obtaining these discovery records, you can then follow up with a subpoena to the Internet Service Provider to request the account information related to those specific IP addresses, at those specific times.
We consider subpoenas our Plan B, plan A is always to trace IP addresses ourselves. This is because of numerous reasons, but the main reason being that through a subpoena you let the antagonists know you are coming for them. Subpoena Witnesses will in most cases notify their customer to give them the opportunity to challenge the subpoena, they usually get 30 days to do so. However, if you can get law enforcement to subpoena, the Witness won’t notify their customer and discovery records are returned within days or a week.
Associated Costs
Consider very carefully whether you want to engage the help of a lawyer or cyber investigators. Engaging the assistance of our investigators starts at a few thousand dollars at the minimum, and if you choose to take the legal route, costs can quickly mount up to over $10,000. So carefully weight the risks vs. rewards of engaging professional help.
Does a Traced IP Give You a Location?
Several online tools and websites offer IP address tracing services. Simply enter the IP address into these tools, and they will provide you with information about its geographical location, Internet Service Provider (ISP), and other relevant details.
Geolocation databases and services provide information about the approximate physical location of an IP address. These databases collect data on IP address assignments and their corresponding geographic locations. However, keep in mind that the accuracy of IP geolocation can vary, and it may not pinpoint an exact address.
But there are ways to connect an IP address to an individual:
Link Anonymous User with the Suspect
When you have a suspect, our investigators can establish a connection between the anonymous user’s IP address and the suspect. To do this, we employ a combination of cutting-edge expertise and traditional investigative intuition. In straightforward terms, linking the anonymous user to the suspect involves tracing the shared IP address and/or identifying other distinctive data, such as immutable device hardware information.
ISP Assistance
If you are dealing with a serious cybercrime or legal matter, you can contact the relevant ISP (Internet Service Provider) for assistance in tracing an IP address. ISPs can provide information about the subscriber associated with an IP address, but they require a legal request or subpoena to do so.
Rexxfield is a trusted source for civil attorneys, criminal investigators and prosecutors worldwide. We prepare subpoena addendums that present a precise and succinct description of the records sought, accompanied by a compelling rationale. We carefully consider the reservations of cautious judges, taking into account First Amendment considerations while underscoring the vital importance of the information requested. Recognizing the potential repercussions of inaccuracies in subpoena preparation, we adopt a thorough and meticulous approach. Our proficiency centers on eliminating any vagueness or shortcomings that might lead ISPs or other providers to withhold vital information. Through the use of exact and all-encompassing language, we reduce the likelihood of document revisions and the inadvertent loss of critical evidence, thereby establishing a robust basis for your legal case.
IP Address Traces
IP address traces information about its origin and routing, which can include the following details:
Geographical Location: IP address tracing can provide an approximate geographical location of the device or network associated with the IP address. This information may include the country, city, and sometimes even the specific region.
Internet Service Provider (ISP): You can determine the ISP responsible for assigning the IP address. This can be useful in identifying the organization or entity providing internet access to the user.
Network Details: Tracing an IP address may reveal information about the network infrastructure through which the data packets are routed. This can include details about intermediate routers and network nodes.
Organization or Company: In some cases, you can ascertain the organization or company associated with the IP address. This is particularly helpful when investigating cybercrimes or network security issues.
Proxy Servers: If the user is using a proxy server or VPN (Virtual Private Network), the IP address trace may lead to the location of the proxy server rather than the user’s actual location. In such cases, it becomes more challenging to identify the user’s true location.
Anonymous Networks: In situations involving anonymity networks like Tor, IP tracing often leads to exit nodes in the Tor network, concealing the user’s actual IP address and location.
Device Type: In some cases, IP tracing may provide information about the type of device or server associated with the IP address (e.g., desktop computer, mobile device, web server).
Abuse Records: If the IP address has been involved in malicious activities or spam, there may be abuse records associated with it, which can provide information about previous complaints or incidents.
Timestamps: Depending on the tracing method, you may obtain timestamps related to the IP address’s activity, indicating when the IP address was used or observed in specific contexts.
It’s important to note that the accuracy and depth of information obtained when tracing an IP address can vary widely. Some IP addresses are more easily traceable to specific geographic locations or organizations, while others may provide only limited information. Additionally, individuals who seek to maintain their privacy or engage in illicit activities may employ tools and techniques to obfuscate their true IP address and location, making tracing efforts more challenging.
Legal Considerations to trace IP address
Tracing an IP address for investigative or legal purposes should be done in accordance with the law. Unauthorized attempts to trace or access someone’s IP address may be illegal in some jurisdictions. Consult with legal authorities or seek legal advice when dealing with sensitive matters.
Be mindful of privacy considerations when tracing IP addresses. It’s essential to respect individuals’ privacy and not misuse or disclose their personal information without appropriate legal authorization.
It’s important to note that while tracing an IP address can provide valuable information, it may not always lead to identifying a specific individual, especially if the user was employing anonymity tools like VPNs or proxy servers. Additionally, IP addresses can be dynamic and change over time, making tracing efforts more challenging.
