Method and system to detect invalid and fraudulent impressions and clicks in web-based advertisement systems

摘要

This invention improves upon existing pay-per-click arrangements by periodically generating a code associated end users. This code, preferably in the form of a serial number, is compared to the end user of the website, such that by observing a metric like the number of clicks for a given period of time, be it a short time or a longer period, such as a day or a week, the system can automatically determine if certain clicks are illegitimate. This allows the pay-per-click company to more fairly invoice the merchants, thereby preventing fraudulent over use.

主权项

1. A method for detecting fraudulent activity in a pay-per-click system, comprising:
a) generating a unique code for identifying an end user's computer; b) transmitting said code to said end user's computer; c) transmitting to said end user's computer one or more links associated with one or more websites associated with one or more merchants; d) generating website information regarding a website selected by the end user when said end user clicks one of said links; e) receiving said code and said website information from said end user's computer; and f) detecting fraudulent activity by measuring the duration between clicks by said end user to said selected website by examining said code and website information.