Google ripoffs!

[goldengob]

Anyone know what to do here?
I had adsense ads running on a background site of mine. Background meaning, that I don't bother much with the site due to bigger projects. From time to time I would just check my adsense stats to see how it was doing. My total was $104.00, so I was to be paid for the first time since I started the program.
I received and email from Google 2 days later saying that they were closing my account due to fraudulant clicks on the site. They also said that they were going to keep all the earnings and distribute between the websites that they believed had suffered because of this. I was, and still am in total shock! Never once to my knowlege has anyone ever fraudulantly clicked on any of those ads.
I immediately appealed against this and asked for proof of their findings.
Two weeks later, I get an email back saying that my appeal had been unsuccessful and that they would not respond to any further enquiries on this case.
I am totally blown away! You might say, "well its only $104.00." Thats not my point. I don't give a crap about the money. Its the principal. If they do this to thousands of others and get away with it, where do we stand? I've tried to find some kind of contact #, but just as I thought, there isn't one.
I would really like to take this further and seek legal advice, but I just don't know where to begin. How do you take on Google? I would appreciate any advice from anyone who has knowledge in this matter.

Thanks

[europeforvisitors]

It stands to reason that Google would withhold unpaid money from accounts that have been closed because of invalid clicks, because otherwise AdSense publishers would be able to keep their ill-gotten gains. It would be like arresting a shoplifter and not confiscating the stolen items.

If you have any doubts about Google's ability to withhold payment, read the contract that you agreed to (the AdSense terms and conditions and program policies).

(Note: I have no opinion about your guilt or innocence; I'm simply pointing out that Google's payment policy isn't a "ripoff.")

[martinibuster]

Unfortunately, we can't really do anything for you as your problem is with Google and the resolution has to be arranged with them.

Fortunately, we have some great posts on things to do if one should find their AdSense account banned. If you were innocent and had not violated Google's AdSense TOS, there are some things you can do to try to get reinstated.

Please read the following threads for some good advice.

I've been Reinstated - Adsense has let me Back in
[webmasterworld.com...]

What to Do When You are Kicked Out of Adsense
A tutorial on your recourse when booted from AdSense.
[webmasterworld.com...]

Good luck!
;)