One particular problem with AdSense is, that allowing image banners also allows flash banners and flash banners have their own context menu, which does not include a "copy link address" item. Furthermore, they may use up the entire visible space of the unit without being required to at least give away the domain, they link to.
This effectively allows advertisers to cloak their identity, an option, that is heavily used by cheapskates and suppliers of questionable products or services in order to not be banned by means of the competitive filter.
Fortunately, there is an easy method to get the link target from these banners anyway:
- When seeing an inappropriate flash banner, unplug the network cable.
- Without being connected to the internet, clicking becomes safe.
- Wait for the timeout, the browser will complain of not being able to connect dump an URL
- Copy and paste the URL into a text editor and search for "adurl=". The target URL of the banner directly follows this string.
- Close the browser before reconnecting the computer to the internet in order to avoid accidentally reloading the page and producing an invalid click.
NOTE: Instead of unplugging the computer from the network, a firewall can have the same effect. The hardware solution is safer, though.