Ad Suit Settled by Google

The AP reports:

SAN FRANCISCO, March 8 (AP) — Google has agreed to pay $90 million to settle a lawsuit contending it overcharged thousands of advertisers who paid for bogus sales referrals generated through a ruse known as click fraud.

The proposed settlement, announced by the company Wednesday, would apply to all advertisers in Google's network during the last four years. Any Web site showing improper charges dating back to 2002 will be eligible for an account credit that could be used toward future ads distributed by Google.

The total value of the credits available to advertisers will be lower than $90 million because Google has earmarked part of that amount to cover fees for lawyers. The proposed settlement still requires final court approval.

OK, Google agrees to "pay" $90 million, but the way it's going to "pay" is to give a credit on future advertising. So, are they really "paying" anything?