Longtime readers of this site may have noticed that I included Google ads when I implemented a site redesign the site a few months back. I like Google ads because they’re unobtrusive and they’re targeted. I’m not going to get rich off them, but they help pay the hosting fees.
Lately, though, I’ve noticed that some sleazy ads are starting to show up here. In particular, I’ve seen two ads in recent days for so-called “PC scans” that promise to find problems on your PC and then offer to “fix” them for you – if you pay them $29.95 or more.
I’ve done enough research on these sites to know that they are as close as it gets to out-and-out ripoffs. I am grateful to Google that they allow me to block any domain that I choose. I’ve blocked the two sites in question. The downside for me is that I lose the opportunity to make a few pennies off these sleazy sites. The upside is that I get to sleep better at night knowing that I’m not serving as a portal to rip-off artists.
Unfortunately, these creeps are like spammers. They change domain names regularly, and it’s just a matter of time before they show up again, selling the same crap under a different name.
You can help me out. If you see a Google ad that you feel is inappropriate, Send me a note. Be sure to include enough details so I can check it out, especially the full URL as it appears in the ad. Remember, I may not see the same ads you do, so details matter.
Thanks for your help.
Ed Bott 