Cookie Stuffing

Cookie stuffing is a fraudulent practice where cookies are surreptitiously placed on a user's device to claim unearned affiliate commissions.

Why it matters

It undermines trust in affiliate marketing.
It leads to inaccurate attribution data.

How to measure

Monitor unusual spikes in affiliate conversions.
Analyze cookie duration and user behavior patterns.

Details

Cookie stuffing occurs when a website or application places cookies on a user's device without their consent, often through hidden scripts or pop-ups. This practice is aimed at generating affiliate commissions by falsely attributing user actions to the fraudster's affiliate link. In a mobile context, cookie stuffing can affect app tracking and attribution, leading to skewed analytics and financial losses for legitimate affiliates.

To combat cookie stuffing, mobile engineers and growth teams should implement robust tracking mechanisms and regularly audit affiliate activities. Utilizing secure and transparent tracking methods, such as server-to-server tracking, can help mitigate the risks associated with this fraudulent activity.

Examples & formulas

An example scenario involves a user visiting a website where a hidden script places multiple affiliate cookies on their device. Later, if the user makes a purchase, the fraudster receives a commission despite not influencing the purchase decision.

Common mistakes

Ignoring unusual traffic patterns; always investigate spikes in affiliate conversions.
Relying solely on client-side tracking; consider server-side solutions for better security.