3 ms·

Maybe they didn't return the money back to customers.

• jacquesm 8y ago
  That's a given.
  • dangrossman 8y ago
    On the advertiser side of Google's services, I have a refund for "invalid activity" on almost every monthly statement going back nearly a decade. > You received a credit because we found invalid activity on your ads. What is it: Invalid activity refers to clicks and impressions that we suspect aren't the result of genuine customer interest. We don't charge you for invalid activity on your ads. Example: Invalid activity includes clicks and impressions performed by automated tools, as well as accidental clicks – for instance, if someone double clicks your ad.
    • jacquesm 8y ago
      Sure, but you'll never be in a position to audit that data. No independent 3rd party verification would ever do for Google ads.
      • deleted 8y ago
        [deleted]
    • paulpauper 8y ago
      one possibility is the refund is done to create the illusion click fraud is being prevented . It's like a manager telling the owner only $100 was taken from the til but $150 was and he pockets the $50. Not that I'm saying google is like that but you have no way of auditing this figure.
      • Retric 8y ago
        I get your point but in your example the scam would be: 'It's like a manager telling the owner only $150 was taken from the til but $100 was and he pockets the $50. Not that I'm saying google is like that but you have no way of auditing this figure.' But, in googles case it's more like: We charge you 1,000$ they say 100$ was fraud and refund you 100$ meanwhile 200$ was and they keep the 30% of 100$ distributing 70$ back for fraudulent clicks they don't really investigate.