COD Guard

Installation

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To start using a product from WooCommerce.com, you can use the “Add to store” functionality on the order confirmation page or the My subscriptions section in your account.

  1. Navigate to My subscriptions.
  2. Find the Add to store button next to the product you’re planning to install.
  3. Follow the instructions on the screen, and the product will be automatically added to your store.

Alternative options and more information at:
Managing WooCommerce.com subscriptions.

Adding a WooCommerce.com subscription to your store

Navigate to Settings: Once activated, go to WooCommerce > Settings > COD Guard to begin configuration.

Connecting Your SMS Gateway

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To send OTP codes, you must connect a supported SMS provider.

  1. Go to the SMS Gateway tab in COD Guard settings.
  2. Select Your Provider: Choose from Twilio, MSG91, or Fast2SMS.
  3. Enter Credentials:
    • Twilio: Enter your Account SID, Auth Token, and From Number.
    • MSG91: Enter your Auth Key and Template ID.
    • Fast2SMS: Enter your API Key.
  4. Save Settings: Click “Save Changes” and use the Test Gateway button to ensure your connection is active.
SMS Gateway

Configuring OTP Verification

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This is the core security feature that stops fake orders in their tracks.

  1. Go to the General Settings tab and toggle Enable OTP Verification to “Yes.”
  2. Set OTP Length: Choose between 4 or 6-digit codes.
  3. Expiry & Attempts: We recommend a 5-minute expiry and 3 maximum attempts for the best balance of security and user experience.
  4. Customize Modal: Use the Styling section to change the colors of the OTP popup so it matches your store’s branding perfectly.
Configuring OTP Verification

Setting Up Dynamic COD Fees

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Offset your logistics risks by adding a custom charge for Cash on Delivery orders.

  1. Navigate to the COD Fees tab.
  2. Enable Fees: Toggle the feature on.
  3. Choose Fee Type:
    • Fixed: Add a standard amount (e.g., $5.00) to every COD order.
    • Percentage: Add a percentage of the cart total (e.g., 2%).
  4. Label: Enter the name (e.g., “COD Handling Fee”) that customers will see at the checkout totals.
Setting Up Dynamic COD Fees Offset your l

Managing the Global Blacklist

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Proactively block fraudulent customers based on past behavior.

  1. Go to the Blacklist tab.
  2. Manual Entry: Add phone numbers or email addresses of known “bad” customers.
  3. One-Click Ban: You can also blacklist a customer directly from their Order Details page by clicking the “Add to Blacklist” button in the COD Guard meta box.
  4. Auto-Block: Once blacklisted, these users will be prevented from selecting the COD payment method entirely.
Managing the Global Blacklist

Testing the Integration

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Before going live, it is critical to test the workflow.

  1. Enable Test Mode: Go to General Settings and turn on Test Mode. This allows you to test the OTP modal without consuming SMS credits.
  2. Place a Test Order: Open your store in an Incognito/Private window.
  3. Verify: Select COD at checkout, wait for the modal to appear, and enter the test code.
  4. Check Admin: Go to WooCommerce > Orders and ensure the order shows the Green “Verified” Badge.
Professional Security Insights - Admin Status Badges:

FAQs

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How can I automatically reduce RTO (Return to Origin) rates for my WooCommerce store?

  • The most effective way to reduce RTO (Return to Origin) is by verifying the customer’s intent before shipping. COD Guard for WooCommerce reduces RTO by up to 40% by requiring a real-time SMS OTP Verification at checkout. This ensures that every Cash on Delivery order is linked to a valid phone number and a serious buyer, preventing “accidental” or “testing” orders that typically lead to delivery failures and high shipping losses.

How do I stop fake Cash on Delivery (COD) orders and fraud in WooCommerce?

  • To stop fake COD orders, you need a multi-layered security approach. COD Guard provides an automated shield by checking orders against a Blacklist of known fraudulent phone numbers and emails. Additionally, by adding a Dynamic COD Fee, you can discourage low-intent buyers while maintaining a smooth experience for genuine customers. Our documentation provides a step-by-step guide on how to set up risk-scoring to automatically flag suspicious addresses and prevent checkout abuse.

Which SMS Gateways are compatible with WooCommerce OTP Verification?

  • COD Guard for WooCommerce is designed to be flexible and cost-effective. It natively supports the world’s most reliable SMS providers, including Twilio, MSG91, and Fast2SMS. Integrating these gateways takes less than 2 minutes via your WooCommerce settings. By using these industry-standard APIs, you ensure 99.9% OTP delivery rates, meaning your customers never get stuck at checkout, and your verification flow remains seamless and professional.