Ad fraud is a broad term that encompasses various deceptive practices in digital advertising, including conversion fraud. Click fraud, cookie stuffing, bot traffic, and impression fraud are all subsets of ad fraud. Conversion fraud specifically targets the end actions that advertisers value, such as sales or sign-ups, rather than just clicks or views.

Click fraud involves generating fake clicks on ads to inflate click-through rates, often using bots or click farms. While click fraud primarily affects pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns, it can also be a part of larger conversion fraud schemes where the ultimate goal is to fake conversions. Bot traffic, which uses automated programs to generate fake web traffic, plays a crucial role in both click fraud and conversion fraud.

Affiliate fraud and PPC fraud are closely related to conversion fraud. In affiliate fraud, fraudsters fake conversions to earn commissions from affiliate programs. PPC fraud involves manipulating pay-per-click advertising metrics, which can include fake conversions to enhance apparent campaign performance.

Cookie stuffing and pixel stuffing are advanced techniques used to commit conversion fraud. Cookie stuffing involves placing multiple cookies on a user's device without their knowledge to claim affiliate commissions falsely. Pixel stuffing involves hiding a single-pixel ad to register impressions or conversions without actual user engagement.

Detecting and combating conversion fraud requires a multi-faceted approach, including advanced tracking systems, behavioral analysis, and continuous monitoring. Collaboration between advertisers, publishers, and technology providers is essential to develop and implement effective anti-fraud measures. Awareness and education about these fraudulent practices are crucial for all stakeholders in the digital advertising ecosystem.