I found some research writers and freelancers on different sites. They all claim to be US-based or from UK. How I can make sure they are legit? All I have is their name and email address. But that could be easily changed by them. I know I can check email location by IP, but most of them use @gmail which hides their country's true location address.

Should I stop doing business with writers who use @gmail account? Or is there any other way to make sure I don't deal with an African fraudster who claims to be a US-based writer? Is there a way to view the real IP of @gmail account user? What are a typical student's best options to be safe?

Thank you.