How do I know if this is a scam or not?

[The Duck]

Just got this PM:

Originally Posted by Rightg

Ad Network

Hi,

Just read your thread, we're just about to launch an Online Ad Network: *link removed* (Don't want this guys getting any business off of this.)

We'd love to have you on as our first direct paying advertiser, if you're happy with that. Give us a try and see how it works out for you

Do you have an email address where we could talk?

Thanks.

If it looks like a rose, smells like a rose, etc. This screams scam to me.

Although, If I just sign up as a CPC Advertiser - I'm only paying for clicks, right? Obviously it could be some kind of scam where they commit click fraud and I have to pay a bunch of money, but other than that, what do I stand to lose?

I've only signed up with Google so far (AdWords) as an advertiser, so I'm pretty new to this.

My first inclination is to sign up for and advertise with any CPC network I can find to maximize exposure, but I'm sure that opens me up for some bad things.

Other than the obvious click fraud, what are some things I need to be on the lookout for?

Can someone tell me why this might be a bad idea?

[deloriagod]

"first direct paying advertiser"
They might be legitimate, but there are huge companies out there that you can use the CPC programs and get some huge exposure. These guys probably only have a few sites wanting to display their ads right now. They might cost you less than the bigger networks, but you won't get as much exposure. Also, I'm willing to bet a lot of other people got a similar message.