One really scary ad
Every now and then, one of the Google ads on this site catches my eye. I used to be afraid to click on it myself for fear of
violating the terms of service, until I was told that because I use the same computer/IP address to log into the AdSense service, Google knows it’s me and won’t charge the advertiser.
This makes sense when you think about it. The ads are topical, so they’ll tend to match whatever I’m writing about, i.e., whatever I’m interested in. Site owners will often want to click the ads that appear.
Anyway.
One ad has been around a lot lately: “This is Scary Accurate,” it reads, “Avoid This Site if You’re Frightened Easily.”
Finally, I was intrigued enough to click.
A picture of a cliche Gypsy looking into a crystal ball appears, and you’re prompted to enter your wish into the box. So I do.
Then it asks for my sign. I selected “Leo.”
And then the kicker:
“Please tell me your cell number so I can text you your future.”
Uh-huh.
Pray tell, what happens if you click “Next”? Why, let’s read the fine print at the bottom, which is in 10-pixel type (equivalent to about 8 point type on a typical monitor).
Seems you’ll get a code sent to your cell phone. If you use it:
Sprint, Nextel, and Boost customers will be billed for $5.99 per week, Cellular One customers will be billed $9.99 per month, AT&T and Verizon Wirless customers will be billed $19.99 per month on code 44674 and will appear on your wireless bill.
Ouch. (To be fair, that 10-pixel type also includes unsubscribe instructions.)
Bottom line: Now I know why I should “Avoid This Site if You’re Frightened Easily.” $20+ per month horoscopes? [shiver]
Leland says:
You have to love it!