When Google was naming potential problems that could affect the company adversely in their IPO filing, they indicated PPC click fraud was one of their biggest worries.
Considering the report by Tim Yang, it appears as if Google may have even more to worry about when it comes to click fraud. Apparently, Tim received an email from an Indian company (or ad clicking syndicate, if you go by Tim's description) offering to provide his site (which features AdSense) with 1000+ "unique" clicks. In return for these revenue-boosting fraudulent clicks, the syndicate wanted 50% of the revenue Tim collected.
Tim engaged the email's author, Sanjay Das, in a back-and-forth that took a number of emails to complete (read Tim's post for the discussion). The conversation was ended with Tim turning Sanjay's offer down.
However, Tim's post indicates one thing: click fraud is becoming so popular that people are offering their services as ad clickers. In fact, during Tim's dealing with Sanjay, he received an additional offer that increased the initial click count from 1000+ to 5000+, further revealing how far click fraud as come. Not only do you have offers for ad clicking services, they also come complete with the haggling you'd expect from a used-car salesman.
As Jensense points out, until recently, click fraud was unheard of in the mainstream. But now, publications like the Wall Street Journal report on the concept.
I think it's safe to say that once you start getting spam offers for fraudulent click services, the problem has officially reached mainstream status.
Chris Richardson is a search engine writer and editor for WebProNews. Visit WebProNews for the latest search news.
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SOS Second message
I transcribed the email so that you could see the context.
NOTE: I WROTE THE EMAIL ADDRESS SEPARATING THE WORDS AND OMITING THE @ SO THAT IT DIDN'T BECOME A LINK TO YOURS MESSAGE.
I HOPE YOU CAN READ IT
--As I mentioned before, I don't have any business. I have 17.00 in savings. And 2 credit cards. That's all.... And a clean record.
I HOPE AND VERY MUCH WILL APPRECIATE IT IF YOU COULD AFFORD THE TIME TO TELL ME SOMETHING.
Thanks again. I wish you a wonderful sensational day!
FROM: MRS. MARIA NORWOOD INFO HSBC COM
REPLY-TO: MRS MARIA NORWOOD 905 GMAIL COM
TO:
Hello,
My name is Maria Norwood; I work with the Total Quest Services, a consulting Firm in London, UK. We are conducting a standard process investigation involving a client who shares the same name with you and also the circumstance surrounding investments made by this client at HSBC Bank Plc.
The HSBC Private Banking client died intestate and nominated no next of kin to inherit the title over the investments made with HSBC Bank Plc. the essence of this communication with you is to request that you provide us information on three issues:
1.- Are you aware of any relative/relation having the same surname, whose last known contact address was Madrid, Spain?
2. Are you aware of any investment of considerable value made by such a person at the HSBC Bank Plc.?
3. Can you establish beyond reasonable doubt your eligibility to assume status of next of kin to the deceased?
It is pertinent that you inform us ASAP whether or not you are familiar with this personality that we may put an end to this communication with you and our inquires surrounding this personality
You must appreciate that we are constrained from providing you with more detailed information at this poitn. PLEASE RESPOND
BACK TO MY PRIVATE AND DIRECT EMAIL ADDRESS:
MRS MARIA NORWOOD 905 AT G MAIL COM
AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO AFFOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO CLOSE THIS INVESTIGATION.
YOURS SINCERILY
TOTAL QUEST SERVICES
FOR: HSBC PRIVATE CLIENTS
THIS IS A CONFIDENTIAL MESSAGE FROM PRIVATE CLIENTS.
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