Duplicate IPs refer to a mobile fraud tactic where an individual or group creates multiple app installs from the same IP address within a short period of time. This tactic is used to artificially inflate the number of app installs, which can be used to manipulate app rankings or fraudulently generate advertising revenue. Duplicate IP is considered a type of fraud because it creates a false representation of the popularity of an app and can be used to deceive users and advertisers.
An IP, or Internet Protocol, is a label made of numbers assigned to each device connected to a network using the Internet Protocol for communication. It serves two main functions: identifying the host or network interface and providing the host's location in the network. IP addresses are binary numbers. They are generally displayed in human-readable notations, such as IPv4 (a 32-bit address written as four decimal numbers separated by dots) or IPv6 (a 128-bit address written as eight groups of four hexadecimal digits separated by colons). IP addresses are unique, and they allow devices to communicate with each other through a network, such as the internet.
Duplicate IPs work by using automated software or bots to generate multiple clicks and app installs from the same IP address in a short time. This can be done by using a network of devices or virtual private servers connected to the same IP address. The software or bots can be programmed to simulate a user clicking on an ad or installing an app, which allows fraudsters to generate a large number of app installs from a single IP address. This tactic can also be used to create fake reviews, ratings, and engagement on an app to make it appear more popular than it actually is. Additionally, it can be used to game the ad revenue system by artificially inflating the number of clicks and installs, thus generating more revenue for the fraudsters.
