Mobile advertising is a massive part of reaching new customers in the digital world we live in. But as the mobile advertising industry grows, so do the challenges. One of the largest challenges in mobile advertising is mobile ad fraud. Mobile ad fraud is a complicated problem in which fraudsters attempt to steal money from advertisers by faking impressions, clicks, installs, or other actions.
This blog will help you understand what mobile ad fraud is, the types of mobile ad fraud, and how to prevent mobile ad fraud using simple methodologies. We will also discuss mobile ad fraud detection tools available or how mobile attribution fraud works.
What is Mobile Ad Fraud?
Mobile ad fraud occurs when a person or technology tricks or manipulates mobile ad use. The result may mean fake app install ads, clicks that did not occur, or users who were not real people. The intent is to steal advertisers’ money while they believe they are getting real and honest performance from their ads.
App fraud is becoming a real problem with the growth of mobile apps. Businesses are losing billions of dollars every year because of it. That is why it is relevant to understand the types of mobile ad fraud and the practices to identify and stop them.
Apptrove, a trusted Mobile Measurement Partner (MMP), can help brands track their advertising safely and combat mobile fraud.
Why Should You Care About Mobile Ad Fraud?
Mobile advertising is costly. Companies spend millions to get their apps seen by the right users. When fraud occurs, they lose that money without receiving any value. Fraud can also compromise campaign data; it makes it challenging to understand what is working and what is not.
When you consider the various types of mobile ad fraud and apply reliable mobile ad fraud detection, companies can safeguard their budgets and make better decisions.
Types of Mobile Ad Fraud
There are many kinds of mobile ad fraud. The first step to protecting your company is being aware of these in advance.
1. Click Spam
Fraudsters click Links with no user activity (creating artificial clicks). They hope to receive credit when the user, some time later, actually installs the application (even though the Fraudster had nothing to do with it).
2. Click Injection
In this style of mobile ad fraud, the fraudster clicks when the install is initiated, but the app has not yet been downloaded. The intent is to fabricate click attribution, so the fraudster receives credit for causing the install.
3. Fake Installs (SDK Spoofing)
Fraudsters can fake app installs directly through artificial methods or by spoofing the SDK. They don’t even need a device to do this. This is one of the more technological aspects of mobile ad fraud.
4. Device Farms
The actual devices are used to install the app and interact with it, many, many times. It mimics real activity, but it is not. It is possibly the most costly and clever piece of mobile fraud.
5. Attribution Fraud
This is another method of receiving a Fake install or action, to earn money for stating that they led to that action.
Mobile Ad Fraud Detection Techniques
Here are some methods to detect mobile ad fraud before it harms you.
1. Look for Patterns
Look for odd patterns in your data. Are there too many installs coming from one device of install? Are there too many clicks and not a lot of installs?
2. Use trusted MMPs
Tools to track and measure your ads, such as Apptrove, provide significant protection to you by identifying strange activity late.
3. Watch your conversion rates
If you are getting tons of installs and no one is using the app afterwards, that could be mobile attribution fraud or fake installs.
4. Compare traffic sources
If one ad network is sending you tons of traffic but no real users, that’s very likely mobile ad fraud.
Prevention Tips: Stay Ahead of Mobile Ad Fraud
Prevention is better than a cure. Here’s what you can do to avoid being a victim of mobile ad fraud:
1. Work with Partners You Trust
Only work with ad networks you know and trust. This will reduce your chance of facing risky traffic and mobile ad fraud types.
2. Be Clear About Rules
Inform your partner about any type, whether it is okay or not. This will keep your partners honest and from using shady traffic sources.
3. Update, update, upload.
Fraudsters use changing tricks. Always update your fraud detection tools.
4. Measure Everything
Track everything from the first click up to install. This also aids mobile ad fraud detection and also in improving your campaigns.
Final Thoughts
Mobile ad fraud is an undeniable reality and problem in digital advertising that steals money and damages campaign data. Fortunately, you can fight back and win! Start by being aware of the types of mobile ad fraud, teams will leverage smart tools for mobile ad fraud detection, and be aware of things like mobile attribution fraud.
Protect your ad budget and make the best decisions by staying educated and informed. Remember that maintaining awareness is the first step to being safe from mobile ad fraud.
