Tuesday 11 November 2008

Your Account with Google AdWords

I do use Google Adwords sometimes, so I do have an account. Not with the email address this was sent to, though. And I prepay so I don't have an outstanding balance. No-one does. Google aren't stupid - it's pay in advance or don't advertise. Tough. Even if you do pay by credit card.

Dear Advertiser,Our attempt to charge your credit card for youroutstanding Google AdWords account balance was declined.Your account is still open. However, your ads have been suspended. Oncewe are able to charge your card and receive payment for your accountbalance, we will re-activate your ads.Please update your billing information, even if you plan to use thesame credit card. This will trigger our billing system to try chargingyour card again. You do not need to contact us to reactivate youraccount.To update your primary payment information, please follow these steps:1. Log in to your account at http://adwords.google.com/select/Login.2. Enter your primary payment information.3. Click 'Update' when you have finished.Advertise your business on Google. No matter what your budget, you can display your ads on Google and our advertising network. Pay only if people click your ads.
If you click on the link in this mail, this is where it takes you:
And this is the REAL address of adwords:

Can you spot the difference? the real one is https - a secure website.

So I logged in, as instructed (don't try this at home folks) using a totally made up, completely rubbish email and password, and this is what they want:
My credit card details. No surprises there, then.

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