When do affiliate networks get suspicious?

Maxbounty is not easy to apply now

I do know that the networks will check out your leads from time to time including the traffic source. This may just be a phone call to the lead for example and some networks are quite tough and will terminate your account immediately if it violates any TOS.

Really tough to answer that without knowing some variables:

If the offer being run has had minimal to no traffic and a spike occurs, that may raise a red flag and networks may run Click Reports to determine where traffic is coming from. Also, they'll probably reach out you to confirm methods being used.

If you rarely or never speak to your AM, that may raise a red flag considering they don't know who you are and don't have a track record of traffic to evaluate.

If the traffic comes in very quickly then stops, that could raise some red flags. Networks may think that's a bot stuffing leads.

The bigger the network, the more likely the $3k / month will fly under the radar...That's very impressive starting out, congratulations on your success.

My advice if you're not doing this already, begin communicating with your networks more frequently that way they know you, what you do, and can expect volume from you. Not only will this put you at ease but hopefully they can help you go from $3k to $6k.

Completely understand, all the more reason to reach out to the network and make them aware of what kind of traffic it is so there's no red flags raised. It'll put them at ease and hopefully it will make you sleep better knowing they wont come crying fraud

I understand what you're saying and that's a really good point. I never thought too much into it, but as far as I can see, you have to have trust that your traffic is coming from quality locations and not places that would be flagging your leads as fraudulent uses.

For example, if you promote your product on a black-hat marketing forum ad, don't be surprised if people are putting in fraudulent information.

If you are advertising using ethical methods, and using reputable media, the chances of you getting that bad seed is much lower. I have never personally had that issue before, and that's probably why I haven't thought much about the point you bring up.

I think, as long as you use the traditional means of promotion, i.e., article writing, social networking, respectable media buys, etc., a factor like that should be the least of your worries.