Fraud Tools
Many advertisers have no idea that all over the world there are software developers engaged in design and marketing tools to potentially commit fraud.
Igeryon in an effort to identify the most common sources of applications and utilities has compiled a directory and brief description of tool sets that are potentially used by those who could commit fraud.
The applications listed are for informational purposes and are the sole property of the respective developers. Igeryon in no way shape or form is accountable or liable for any installation, misuse or activity related to the presented sources. USE & INSTALL AT YOUR OWN RISK!
Clicking Agent
This software could be used to automate ad clicks from the desktop. It has a
very extensive interface, but limited support.
[www.clickingagent.com]
IFaker
This utility can generate traffic from a desktop, to appear as legitimate
visitors. The application allows for the use of “random google referrers”
and can easily produce automated traffic to drive up web site advertising impressions.
[www.ifaker.com]
The Rich Jerk
This location speaks to earning millions of dollars on the web via
affiliate activities. Notably, info at this location may constitute
legitimate business practices, however hundreds of similar “get rich”
locations exist on the web.
[www.therichjerk.com]
Link Banks
This location is referred to as a “Link Bank” which typically
contains a series of links that are either syndicated via
a PPC network, or randomly generated via a third-party
Affiliate program.
[www2.linkz.com]
Automated Clicking
Software programs can be written to automate clicks. The most-sophisticated of these
will use “IP Spoofing” to make traffic appear to originate from various addresses all
around the world. Less intelligent hacks are easy to write using simple JavaScript
on a webpage that targets another page in a separate window, constantly reloading the
target. These pageloads are technically different from an actual Click, but web servers
cannot easily distinguish the difference. They just see patterns of traffic, and credit
the referring URL as the generator of the traffic.
[JavaScripted Reloading Window]
Connections with Spyware
Certain spyware and adware programs have begun incorporating click-fraud
into their software model. They have discovered that they can simulate
traffic to their own affiliate network by trapping users into a nightmare
of popup windows and unwanted search results. It all begins when someone
installs a "free download" that looks desirable, such as a DVD player
program. It doesn't function as advertised; instead it loads software
which systematically intercepts and redirects all browser requests into the
adware network. Although no user would ever willingly visit all these obnoxious
sites by themselves, they are hijacked and taken there repeatedly, until
they find a way to remove the adware they've accidentally installed.
[Analysis of 180-affiliates' Zango™ Software]
If you have located a software product or online resource that could be used to commit fraudulent activity please notify us immediately.
