Hey guys, I'm quite a bit worried! I've just received an e-mail saying that spam was sent with my e-mail account (of my site) and attached a "data verification" file that is obviosly a virus and that they would cancel my account at my own site if I didn't open it. I'm not worried about the e-mail, but can this reach my users?? I don't care if they send it to ME, but I do care about the users. I'm also worried about what could happen next... maybe click fraud?! Should I let google know of this e-mail and warn them someone could be trying to hurt the site? I've just had a good article published in another BIG website which is bringing me MANY more visits than usual... should I let they know about this too? Thanks for your help!
Dude, relax, don't get hysterical! So, you've received a virus to your email... Bad luck, it happens all the time using emails that are from other people... You call that spoofing or whatever... Relax, Google won't cancel your account!
It was sent with some program to fraud the address. It used a account that doesn't even exist. What I'm worried about is that someone could be trying to get us out of business. Should I let Google know of this evidence beforehand? What about that huge peak in the visits/clicks/income?
What are you talking about- What evidence? Let's put it this way- Google is smarter than you. You don't need to let them know about this kind of stuff.
A virus usually gives false email addys as the from address, i tend to get at least a few that look like they have been sent from my server per month. Don't worry about it. It happens to everyone who has an email account. Why would you want to tell google about it ? I am sure they get enough of the things them self without you forwarding yours to them. Just deleat it and go relax.
I know it's been a long day, but why on earth would you want to (or think that you should) inform google about this. I must get a 100 of these every day, why people who write virus detection software feel the need to send an email informing the supposed sender I really can't fathom, the majority of viruses forge the from address.
Thanks for the info guys, you're really great! About the 6-time bigger impressions/income today, will they figure out by themselves that I haven't done anything wrong? I want to play honest and I think that big this traffic increase may sound strange to them. Thanks again!
ehh wtf. What 6-time bigger impressions/income where did you mention that ?? If you got a traffic increase - well done. I don't get what the problem is. You seem to now be talking about a traffic increase (not just clicks) so I'll assume that it's showing in your website stats as well as adsense stats - therefore no problem.
I understand why you might be nervous, Chief. But 99% of the people that come on to DP and post, "I've been banned from adsense and I didn't even do anything wrong", DID DO SOMETHING WRONG! A huge increase in traffic is great and in no way will you be penalized by Google.
chiefwiggum, in the interest of public service, you may send the virus to me and I'll see if I can tell you what it is. Just email it to jafar(at)moonlife-records.com. Don't worry. It's a safe, virus and spam protected linux email system. It will defang the virus and name it for me so I can let you know. We'll that is in case your own anti-virus hasn't told you already.