Checkpoint — is a security check during which a service temporarily restricts access to an account and asks the owner to verify their identity.
Almost everyone encounters this in everyday life: for example, if you log in to a social network or email from another country or a new device, the service may ask you to enter a code from SMS or confirm the login via email.
Checkpoint in Traffic Arbitrage
In traffic arbitrage, a checkpoint — is one of the most common checks performed by social networks and advertising platforms. Security algorithms detect a suspicious action and send the account to a verification screen, preventing further ad setup or campaign launches until the check is passed.
Why an Account Gets Sent to a Checkpoint
Security algorithms react to sudden changes and actions that are unusual for a regular user:
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Change of device or IP: logging in through a new proxy, from another country, a new browser profile, or device.
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Sudden activity: immediately after logging in, you start linking a bank card, launching advertising campaigns, changing the password, or editing profile data.
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Dirty IP address: if the anti-fraud system detects a suspicious IP that is already listed in spam databases or from which other profiles have recently been blocked in large numbers.
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Mass repetitive actions: template-like steps that the algorithm interprets as the activity of automated programs.
What Types of Checkpoints Exist
Depending on the level of suspicion, the platform offers different verification methods:
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By phone number (SMS): the simplest option — receive a code on the linked number.
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By email: follow a link or enter a one-time code from an email.
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Selfie or face photo: the system asks you to upload a clear photo of your face or turn your head in front of the camera to make sure the account does not belong to a bot.
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Documents (ID): the platform asks you to upload a photo of a passport or driver’s license to verify the name and date of birth.
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Verification by recent activity: the social network asks you to remember and identify recent comments, messages, or dates of recent payments.
Can You Pass a Checkpoint
Yes, many checkpoints can be passed successfully, especially simple ones (email or SMS). If the account is high quality and you have access to the linked data, the restrictions are removed after verification, and the system’s trust in the profile may even increase slightly.
The situation is more difficult with purchased accounts: if the system requests a selfie or documents and you do not have the original owner’s data (or a document package generated for that profile), restoring access is unlikely to be possible.
Important
A checkpoint — is a temporary freeze. Access to the profile will return as soon as you confirm the requested data (an SMS code, email, or documents). But if you ignore the request or enter incorrect data, restoring the account may no longer be possible — it will most likely be blocked.
