My Ordeal with Google

[knightshow]

I'm writing to tell you my story about how Google has stolen $110 from me. I publish a website for aspiring actors, and decided to earn revenue from the site by signing up for Google's AdSense program, which promises to pay publishers for every click of an ad on the site. Checking my balance, I noticed that I had earned a total of $110 over the last month and a half. I then received an email from them telling me that my account had been deactivated for making illegal clicks on the ads on my site. I did no such thing. I tried calling Google's offices and all I got were recordings and endless menu systems. I tried writing to them, but one of the emails has bounced back, and another has gone unanswered.

I have spent money on advertising for my site in an attempt to generate traffic, therefore increasing the chances of visitors clicking on ads to help generate revenue for me. Now I have practically lost the money I spent on advertising, and i've lost the money that Google owes me.

I filed a report with the BBB, but they said there is no guarantee that this will help resolve the problem. I am frustrated, because i'm an honest citizen trying to make some extra money on the side in these hard times, and I am robbed of my money by a large corporation. I feel powerless to do anything, except write to some newspapers and websites that could possible help me in getting my money.

Sincerely,

Nick P.

[edited by: heini at 11:52 pm (utc) on Oct. 9, 2003]
[edit reason] Please keep personal info in your profile ¦ thanks! [/edit]

[europeforvisitors]

I then received an email from them telling me that my account had been deactivated for making illegal clicks on the ads on my site. I did no such thing.

They aren't necessarily accusing you of doing the clicking; they're just saying that your site has invalid clicks. As for whether Google has stolen $110 from you, you won't know that until either;

1) They tell you that you aren't being paid (which they apparently haven't, or you probably would have said so); or...

2) A couple of months go by with no check.

This forum has a number of lengthy threads on the topic of invalid clicks or click fraud; if you read them, you'll find advice on how to approach Google. (TIP: Be polite and professional, and you'll have a better chance of success.)