Which download button

So why are they so prevalent? The answer, unfortunately, is that their deception works. It's difficult to get users to click on ads most of the time, since most people have become better at recognizing them.

But when you're already looking for a download link or button, you're more likely to fall for a fake one. Additionally, someone falling for these is a good indicator that they'll be prone to future scams.

So we know why scammers love these ads, but why do websites allow them? In many cases, it's because they can't get many other advertisers. Reputable companies aren't exactly jumping to show their ads on sites like torrent trackers and file-sharing services, especially because they're often associated with illegal activity. These websites have to pay their bills somehow, so they go with these ads and apparently don't mind the implications to less tech-savvy users. Despite all this, you'll still occasionally see fake download ads appear on mainstream sites like MakeUseOf.

We don't want or allow them, but they show up anyway. Though most of our ads come from Google, we don't have the ability to approve what ads appear on the site ahead of time. Bad actors constantly play whack-a-mole with Google and webmasters, trying to get their fake ads through the system. Websites report the ads when they appear; Google blocks these companies from creating more ads, but new ones still pop up all the time.

As long as these ads keep getting through the system, you should know what one looks like when you see it. This will keep you safe and make sure you only use actual download links. As a general rule, most legitimate sites do not use giant Download buttons.

You'll usually find the real download link as a link in text form, such as the download links at the bottom of sections in MakeUseOf articles. However, many dedicated software download sites do use a similar green button for downloads, making it harder to tell. A huge giveaway that you're looking at a fake download button is the AdChoices logo in the top-right corner.

This is a regulatory program that many advertisers are part of, which calls for certain principles in ads. If you see this icon, it's quite likely a Google ad, meaning it's not a real download.

When you spot one, you should click the X icon. Don't you want to attribute the author? Colors Display Shapes. Select a color from the icon Choose a new color. Move left. Move right. Move up. Move down. Flip Flip horizontal. Flip vertical. Select a shape None. Rounded square. You have reached the icons limit per collection icons. Save Edit icon.

Add to collection. Copy PNG to clipboard. Download PNG. Related tags file direct download save file down arrow save downloading file download web installer input. You might need to scroll down the page a bit to find the right one, and it might be a simple link rather than a big, sexy button. Many download pages are heavily cluttered with ads and other distractions designed to trick you into clicking the wrong thing.

Take your time, and look carefully. Still not sure? Stick with reputable download sites. Hint: Most torrent sites?