Ad fraud remains one of the most serious threats to digital marketing, leading to significant financial losses for companies worldwide every year. According to AppsFlyer, in 2019, approximately $4.8 billion was at risk due to advertising fraud. By 2024, this figure has likely increased, given the continuous advancement of fraudsters' technologies and methods.


Methods to Combat Fraudulent Traffic

To effectively counter fraudulent traffic, ad networks can implement the following strategies:

  1. Use of Specialized Anti-Fraud Systems: Modern solutions, such as Fraud Scanner by MyTracker, enable fast monitoring and analysis of traffic, identifying various types of fraud, including bots, fake devices, and click flooding.
  2. Analyzing Metrics and Identifying Anomalies: Monitoring indicators such as bounce rate, the share of undefined devices, and session distribution over time helps detect suspicious traffic.
  3. Implementing Industry Standards: Utilizing standards developed by organizations such as the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and the Media Rating Council (MRC) contributes to creating a safer advertising ecosystem.
  4. Continuous Monitoring and Blacklist Updates: Regular updates to lists of suspicious IP addresses and sites help promptly block fraudulent traffic sources.


Fraud Traffic Statistics by Verticals in 2024

While exact data for 2024 is still being compiled, previous studies indicate that certain verticals are particularly vulnerable to fraudulent traffic. For example, in mobile advertising, click flooding accounts for about 35% of all fraudulent traffic. The dating and adult content verticals also experience high levels of fraud due to the high traffic volume and attractiveness to scammers.

Top 5 Affiliate Verticals with the Highest Fraud Volume

1. Gambling & Betting

Fraud Level: 40-60%

Common Fraud Types:

  • Bots and Automated Scripts – create fake registrations and place bets without real player involvement.
  • Fraudulent Multi-Accounts – users create multiple accounts to claim bonuses.
  • Fraudulent CPA Offers – arbitrage affiliates use fake accounts to generate payments.
How to Fight It:
  • Implement user behavior analysis (e.g., detecting unnaturally high click speeds and actions).
  • Use anti-fraud filters to check IP addresses and devices for bot characteristics.
  • Monitor anomalous indicators, such as short sessions or high deposit rates from a single source.

2. Crypto & Forex

Fraud Level: 50-70%

Common Fraud Types:

  • Fake Leads – fraudsters register on platforms without real investment interest.
  • Mass Registrations via Proxies and VPNs – used to bypass restrictions and claim bonuses.
  • Fraudulent Payouts – arbitrage affiliates artificially increase conversions to earn commissions.
How to Fight It:
  • Implement behavioral analysis (e.g., studying registration time and user activity).
  • Check traffic uniqueness (device fingerprints, IP addresses).
  • Introduce KYC verification to confirm identity.

3. Dating & Adult

Fraud Level: 45-65%

Common Fraud Types:

  • Fake Profiles – bots or fraudsters create accounts mimicking real users.
  • Low-Quality Traffic – users register but take no further actions on the site.
  • Click Fraud – artificial click inflation on ads without genuine interest.
How to Fight It:
  • Implement AI-based bot detection filters (image analysis, conversation style checks).
  • Block unnatural traffic patterns (instant clicks, mass registrations).
  • Use CAPTCHA and multi-factor authentication.

4. Software & Utilities

Fraud Level: 30-55%

Common Fraud Types:

  • Bot Traffic – automated app installations to manipulate CPI offers.
  • Incentivized Traffic – users download software for rewards but do not use it.
  • Click Flooding – fraudsters inflate clicks on ads, creating a false impression of high activity.
How to Fight It:
  • Track anomalous installation activity (high uninstall rate within 5-10 minutes).
  • Block click flooding by analyzing the time between a click and installation.
  • Use anti-fraud SDKs inside applications.

5. Sweepstakes & E-commerce

Fraud Level: 35-50%

Common Fraud Types:

  • Fake Entries – fraudsters mass-fill forms to claim rewards.
  • Bots Mimicking Activity – automated scripts click on ads and subscribe to promotions.
  • Fraudulent CPA Offers – arbitrage affiliates generate fake sales and subscriptions.
How to Fight It:
  • Analyze device and IP address uniqueness.
  • Use SMS or email confirmation.
  • Verify real user activity after purchases or subscriptions.

How Kaminari Click Helps Combat Fraud

Kaminari Click offers an innovative anti-fraud system that fully protects your site from unwanted traffic, bots, and fraudulent clicks. Our platform analyzes all traffic and instantly filters out bots and malicious activity. We can detect over 10 types of bots, ensuring strong protection for your ad campaigns.

Advantages of Using Kaminari Click:

  • Real-Time Verification: Our system performs real-time traffic checks, allowing rapid fraud detection and blocking.
  • In-Depth Traffic Analysis: We provide detailed reports on each click, helping to identify fraud sources and take corrective action.
  • Integration with Various Platforms: Our system seamlessly integrates with different ad platforms and networks, ensuring comprehensive campaign protection.
  • Database Updates: We update our fraudulent IP address database daily, maintaining up-to-date and effective protection.

By leveraging Kaminari Click solutions, ad networks can significantly reduce losses from fraudulent traffic, improve campaign efficiency, and secure their investments.

In an era of evolving fraud tactics, using cutting-edge technologies and approaches is crucial for protecting advertising assets. Kaminari Click is ready to be your trusted partner in the fight against fraud, ensuring transparency and effectiveness for your ad campaigns.