I changed my ways with google adwords and my embroidery design site. Last year up until April this year, my ROI was averaging $5.00 a day per campaign. Somewhere after this, my ROI disappeared. Lots of clicks, no purchases. I can't afford that! So I turned off the "content network" option, so my only my ads show up on google, not on other's web sites. My ROI went to $18.00 *summer is slow for me*. Where did the all the clicks go? I assume fraud. I'll never run an ad outside of google again, except for targeted ones (paying by CPM).
I hate to sound so "pro verizon" ..... this is why I think spending 5x's more for a CALL then a CLICK is such a better value. Pay For Call vs. Pay Per Click. It is nice when things are in place to keep calls in check... such as 15 second limits etc..... also Verizon has applied for a patent on PPC and Pay Per Call appearing on the same page. Since you guys are in the know... does MIVA have the same issues??
Ha ha ha. Those clickmonkey guys are funny. I interviewed with Pets.com before the bubble burst. The next thing I heard from them, they were on CNN as one of the companies going under. I find it amusing that they use them. I also like the lack of names for their testimonials. Former CEO? Come on... And finally, if these guys were for real, why wouldn't they just set up their own Google accounts and make money. This is obviously a scam.
I keep an eye on the I.P. Addresses from my website stats (If you're paying for Adwords you need to pay serious attention to stats) I've not yet seen anything suspicious but I know what you're getting at. Some of the high click throughs are in the financial services industry and holidays - If your wicked it would be quite easy to waste the odd £10 or so in a single click!