Hijacking Traffic

can it happen?

[mikeD]

Hi I've noticed this week that sales on a client's web site are massively down. Traffic is the same as last week and nothing has been changed to the site. Can sales traffic be hijacked, especially affiliate sales.

[robertito62]

This is difficult to prove but it is my understanding that 'anything can be done', specially if the sponsor is its own biller.

In addition, sponsors may have many different ways of leaking affiliate traffic. But in this case, there would be also less traffic showing in your stats.

I personally know a few programs that have been busted.

What kind of programs are the ones your are involved in?

[mikeD]

Mainly standalone aff programs not in the main networks, most are gadget type programs.

[ukgimp]

Perhaps

[webmasterworld.com...]

[robertito62]

It seems these are 2 different topics.

You must determine first if your traffic is being hijacked or if your commissions are being 'shaved'.

If traffic remains the same then the emphasis is on the 'sales/commissions' part.

[Chris_R]

Two ideas:

1) Make sure the change you observe is actually statistically significant. I see people all the time complaining when the changes they see in sales - are something that could easily occur by chance.

2) Look to make sure that the billing isn't declining more charges than they used to. There is a common term for it, but I can't remember it off hand.

[robertito62]

chris_R

are you referring to 'scrubbing'?

You made a good point. Many times there are delays in reported sales, specially if you are dealing with a 3rd party processing company.

It is only after an extended period of time that you might be able to spot "unusual discrepancies".