I frequently use something called IP Geolocation to find out where a user is located for forms, enquiries, or any log evidence of someone doing something to try to establish if they are who they say they are.
It does not work 100% but I would say it works in 99% of cases. The router or gateway you use that your network/ computer is plugged into has an address allocated to it by your service provider (BT, Talk Talk, NTL, etc). For most of us the IP address changes from time to time and is referred to as dynamic. They do this to make sure it is hard to run your own web server from home. If and when you reset your router, when it comes back online it will likely have a new IP address. You can find out what your IP address is by clicking on this link.
The IP address is controlled by your service provider. It is like a computer equivalent of your street address.
The blocks of addresses are assigned to service providers and they pass them out to users as part of an automated process. There is also some information generally known about where they are used. It is not particularly accurate, but is often within 50 miles of the actual user.
This means you can determine if someone who appears to be in the UK sent the email, filled in the form etc from the UK or not.
Forms through your website
Most form submissions contain additional information at the bottom when it comes into your mail box. Look for the IP address and save it somewhere and then go to this location: https://geoiptool.com and enter the IP Address in the box. In this case I entered 86.171.198.116 which is an IP address in a form from someone allegedly from the Devon/ Cornwall area.
This is what was returned (Click on it to see a larger version):
It shows the users was based around Totnes in Devon. So this appears to correlate with other information that has been presented.
Accuracy is also based on time
If your IP address is dynamic, it means it may change. Right now my IP address is being reported as Chesham (Bucks). I am located around 12 miles from Chesham. So it is not IMO very accurate. I have also checked it from time to time and found it is registered in a different region. But generally it mostly comes up with Chesham. Bottom line, use it as a guide.
Doreen from SEO Optimisation
You will all have seen messages from people with western sounding names that offer SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) services. They usually start with “we think you can receive more visitors a day“. They have no idea how many visitors you receive. They are fishing for business. Everyone of these I have seen in a form submitted to a website has an IP address at the bottom. If I take the IP address and paste it into the box on the Geo IP Location tool it will inevitably return New Delhi or Bangalore two of the major IT centres in India. The chances are that Doreen’s real name is Prakash!
Targeted advertising
Advertisers use IP Geo Location to find out where you are located and target more appropriate marketing messaging to you.