The scum of the internet

[cbp]

I can't believe that this sort of thing goes on:
(URL deleted)

Hopefully Google will find a way to deal with it.

CBP

(mods - feel free to delete this URL if inappropriate)

Edit: I debated this, cbp, because I do agree that legitimate webmasters should know about such things, but on the other hand I'm not happy with providing information that makes it any easier for illegitimate (sic) individuals in exploiting these things.

The URL cbp had provided led to a site describing a spam-based technology used to cheat Google AdSense.

[Dave Hawley]

WOW! I just dropped Google AdSence an email.

[cbp]

They have arrested him !!!
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/8231386.htm

CBP

[Dave Hawley]

I have noticed this sort of thing (fraudulent clicks) happen a lot on AdSense sites. I *use* to have my Adwords appear via AdSense but noticed a VERY high number of clicks with no increase in sales. 3 months ago, I uncheked the option to have my ad shown on partner sites and have saved about $20.00 per day. The best thing is my sales have not dropped.

[janeth]

That is also the reason we have never tried it and probably never will. I think it is a great way to get your name out but what people like this guy do not understand is that there hurting the small business man/woman also.

[danielle v2.1b]

Originally Posted by Dave Hawley

I have noticed this sort of thing (fraudulent clicks) happen a lot on AdSense sites. I *use* to have my Adwords appear via AdSense but noticed a VERY high number of clicks with no increase in sales. 3 months ago, I uncheked the option to have my ad shown on partner sites and have saved about $20.00 per day. The best thing is my sales have not dropped.

Likewise Dave, one of our campaigns was costing up to $500 a month for very little return... unchecked the button and it dropped to an average $180-190 p/m. No drop in sales either.

Dani

[cbp]

I have noticed this sort of thing (fraudulent clicks) happen a lot on AdSense sites.

one of our campaigns was costing up to $500 a month for very little return... unchecked the button and it dropped to an average $180-190 p/m. No drop in sales either.

I would not jump to the conclusion that fraud was involved in these egs. It just could have been poor quality traffic from the partner sites that does not convert.

CBP

[Brittany]

In a related thread, Garrett has written an article on Google click fraud. Feel free to share your comments and concerns:

http://www.webproworld.com/viewtopic.php?t=16284

[Dave Hawley]

I would not jump to the conclusion that fraud was involved in these egs. It just could have been poor quality traffic from the partner sites that does not convert.

Quite true! However, the end result is the same, no extra sales and a spike in clicks and costs.

[xmx]

I don't understand the people with the talent and the skills to create and develop new softwares making criminal activities instead of useful ones.

And many times they spend a lot of time to develop their illegal projects, and live always fearing arrests.

Problem is: it is easier to cheat hiding behind a PC, maybe the bigger problem of the internet.

[mizambar]

For the next couple of days, I elected to not show my ads on other sites...I just want to see if it makes a difference...

[Daryl Craft]

OK,
Let's all use common sense here, you name one company who doesn't use the old Bait and Swith.... And yes so he caught them he was an idiot for attempting to try Extortion. I mean come on who did he think he was anyway.
Did he not realize there were Implications for being as retarded and the Monster he was attacking. Yes it is good we know these things occur but does this atually give us the right to also be an idiot. So he got recognized and what recognition now this becomes a felony and all future companies will laugh at him when they see he was locked up for threatening Google.
Well I guess God takes care of Idiots and Drunkards and at this point I would hope he is both....

[smconline]

What's more scary is that for every fool that is caught there are many more lurking out there with the same skills to reap havoc.

[cooper]

Originally Posted by smconline

What's more scary is that for every fool that is caught there are many more lurking out there with the same skills to reap havoc.

All things considered, this guy is doing us all a favor. He is forcing the PPC companies to rethink their strategies for guarding against fraudulent traffic/clicks. Yes, he is a moron but the attention this whole fiasco is getting in the community and in mainstream media will make the PPC companies strengthen their processes. And as smconline stated, there are many more people out there willing and able to do what this guy was planning without notifying the PPC companies.

It's Darwinism at work really. He is allowing us to better served by the PPC companies by making them create better products. In a weird way, we owe him some gratitude. It's not too different from hackers that find exploits in a software company's code and the company fixing the code.

Don't get me wrong, what he did was stupid and asinine. Extortion should never be used even when a large company like Google doesn't want to use your product or services. I think he should go to jail and Google did the right thing. But now that this has happened, the buzz in the search engine and PPC industry is about how to protect the legitimate customers. And that is a good thing.

[vermontjohn]

This guy had to be a moron to try something like that. Fraud doesn't pay and you don't have to be looking over your shoulder all the time either :-) Maybe this guy should have found a good legitimate business to run and make his money legally. Isn't it always about money?

On the other hand I really can't stick up for these big companies either. They are all money hungry ripoffs. Instead of trying to rip them off though, one should just sit back and wait...they always either go bankrupt or get sued and go out of business and thats their payback for being rat bastards and ripping people off with ridiculous prices ,etc. The saying is true "what goes around, comes around". It does,but you sometimes have to wait a while.

John


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