Google has a new verification process (at least it wasn’t there when I started up with AdSense three years ago) that I’d love to see adopted by the affiliate networks.
It’s a way for them to verify affiliate e-mail, phone and mailing address.
The way the process works is that they send you an e-mail to let you know that you will be receiving a Personal Identification Number (PIN) via standard mail.
With the Google AdSense PIN Process, once you receive the PIN, you have to enter it into your AdSense account interface. If you don’t enter in the PIN, there are consequences.
If four months go by without entering your PIN, Google will start displaying Public Service Ads (PSAs) on your site. Let six months pass by and your account will be disabled. Any unpaid earnings will be refunded to the appropriate advertisers.
Also, you’ve got to verify your phone number. The Google AdSense Phone Verification is an automated process where you click to have the system call your number on file and then need to key in a 6-digit verification code.
Failure to do this results in the same perils after four and six months.
Nice work by Google to fight the shady fraudsters that try to trade on the good names and reputations of legitimate marketers.