IP Addresses...why so inaccurate?

Why is it that when I look up IP's in an "IP Locator" that it is always waaaay off?
I searched my own IP at various "IP Locating" sites...all said I was in the Lake Elsinore area...which is nowhere near me...

Anyone?
I need to locate the general area that a user on one of my sites...(don't ask) haha.

UPDATE:
Alright, so when I look up the IP I get an IP...it switches back and forth between 3 locations every few tries.
If I were to triangulate, could I find the user's location?

You get the IP of the providers servers...so no you wouldnt be able to triangleate (just switches between sites)

You would need a mac adress and take it to an IP provider with a warrant, then they would tell you who it is.

@Spl. Durkee,


Some of the problems with using `` IP´s ´´ to locate or identify an individual, depending on where the person is located and the Laws for internet use, it can be extremly difficult.

Example, Some of the countries here in Europe use a Roving IP system for data protection, not just for server also for user, it is possible to be in contact with users here on different servers in different countries, and both have the same IP address. It requires a formal request to the Server Company for the actual location of a user, usualy at a cost, in most cases it is only granted with the approval of Law enforcement authorities, as a result innocent users get banned from sites as well as the guilty.