How to Use Session Replay to Prove Fraud on Your Website

Session replay can prove fraud on your website if you use it correctly. The key is to record every session, flag the ones that show bot-like behavior, and export timestamped clips that you can attach to a fraud report or chargeback dispute. Here is the exact process.

What Session Replay Can and Cannot Prove

Session replay records mouse movements, clicks, scrolls, and form inputs. It shows you exactly what a visitor did on your page. That makes it powerful evidence for spotting automated behavior.

But session replay alone does not prove intent or identity. It shows patterns. A bot might move a mouse in a straight line, click faster than a human, or never scroll. Those patterns are strong signals, but you need to combine them with other data like IP address, device, and click IDs to build a convincing case.

Step 1: Set Up Session Replay Recording

Choose a session replay tool that records full sessions, not just page views. Install the script on every page you care about, especially landing pages and forms. Make sure it captures timestamps and a unique session ID for each visit.

BotRefund adds to your website in about one minute and starts recording immediately. It captures video proof for every bot click, so you do not have to build the recording system yourself.

Step 2: Define Fraud Signals That Matter

You need to know what to look for. Common bot signals include:

• Ghost clicks – clicks that happen without a natural sequence of human intent.
• Honeypot interactions – bots responding to hidden or deceptive page elements.
• Robotic linear mouse movements – unnaturally straight pointer paths.
• Absence of humanlike mouse tremor – no tiny imperfections typical of human movement.
• Superhuman input speed – interactions faster than a person could realistically perform (under 1ms).
• Grid-aligned movement patterns – movement that snaps to precise lines or blocks.
• Absence of clicks or scrolling – sessions that stay too static to match a real browsing journey.
• Unnatural session durations – visits that are too short, too long, or too uniform to be human.

These signals come from BotRefund's detection system. You can use them as a checklist when reviewing replays.

Step 3: Tag Suspicious Sessions Automatically

Manually watching every replay is impossible. Set up rules or use machine learning to flag sessions that match the signals above. For example, flag any session with a click speed under 1ms or a mouse path that is perfectly straight.

BotRefund does this automatically. It watches for ghost clicks, honeypot traps, robotic movements, and other patterns, then tags the session for you.

Step 4: Export Replay Clips with Timestamps

When a session is flagged, export the replay video. Include the session ID, start and end times, and the specific actions that triggered the flag. Timestamps are critical – they prove when the activity happened.

BotRefund captures video proof for each bot click. You can export these clips directly from the dashboard.

Step 5: Build Your Fraud Evidence File

Combine the replay clip with other data to make your case stronger. Add the IP address, device type, user agent, and any click IDs (GCLID for Google, FBCLID for Meta). BotRefund logs click IDs automatically, so you have that data ready.

Organize everything into a clear report. Include a summary of why the session is fraudulent, the replay clip, and the supporting data. This is what you will submit to the ad platform or payment processor.

Step 6: Submit and Verify Your Claim

Send your evidence to the right place. For Google Ads, file a manual refund request with the Click Quality team. For Meta, you can claim ad credits for invalid traffic. Payment processors have their own dispute processes.

After you submit, track the outcome. If the claim is rejected, review the feedback and adjust your evidence. BotRefund negotiates with Google and Meta on your behalf, so you do not have to handle the back-and-forth alone.

Key Facts About BotRefund

Limitations of Session Replay as Fraud Proof

Session replay is powerful, but it has limits. It shows behavior, not intent. A real user might move a mouse in a straight line or click quickly. You need to combine replay with other signals to avoid false positives.

Ad platforms may require more than a video. They often want click IDs, IP logs, and form data. BotRefund's recovery rates vary by traffic quality and available evidence, so not every claim is approved.

Also, privacy laws apply. You must inform users that you are recording sessions and get consent where required. Session replay that captures sensitive data like passwords or credit card numbers can create legal risk.

Terminology You Should Know

• Session replay: A recording of a user's interactions with a website, including mouse movements, clicks, scrolls, and form inputs.
• Ghost click: A click that happens without a natural sequence of human intent, often triggered by a bot.
• Honeypot: A hidden or deceptive page element that bots respond to but humans ignore.
• GCLID: Google Click Identifier, a parameter that tracks which ad click led to a session.
• FBCLID: Facebook Click Identifier, the Meta equivalent.
• Invalid traffic: Clicks or impressions that are not from genuine user interest, including bots and accidental clicks.

FAQ

What is session replay?

Session replay is a tool that records a visitor's interactions with your website. It captures mouse movements, clicks, scrolls, and form inputs so you can watch the session later.

How does session replay detect bots?

It looks for behavioral patterns that are unnatural for humans, such as superhuman click speed, robotic mouse paths, or no scrolling at all. These patterns are strong indicators of automated traffic.

What signals should I look for in a replay?

Look for ghost clicks, honeypot interactions, linear mouse movements, absence of human tremor, clicks under 1ms, grid-aligned paths, no clicks or scrolling, and session durations that are too short or too uniform.

How do I export a replay clip?

Most session replay tools let you export a video file of the session. Make sure it includes timestamps and the session ID. BotRefund provides video proof for each flagged bot click.

Will Google or Meta accept session replay as proof?

They may, but you need to combine it with other evidence like click IDs and IP logs. BotRefund helps you build a complete evidence file and negotiates with Google and Meta on your behalf.

How long does it take to set up session replay?

With BotRefund, you can add the script in about one minute. Other tools may take longer, but the setup is usually straightforward.

What if the fraud uses residential proxies?

Residential proxies make bots look like real users from real IPs. Session replay can still catch behavioral anomalies, but you may need more advanced detection. BotRefund uses behavioral analysis that works even with residential proxies.