Clicks and Google's protection
Google filters interactions it identifies as invalid. Distinguish filtered clicks from later billing adjustments: an increase in the invalid-clicks column does not by itself demonstrate money lost.
Traffic quality · Google Ads · Evidence
Check suspicious traffic before attributing it to fraud
A rise in clicks without sales deserves a review, but does not explain the cause on its own. Separate invalid traffic, false enquiries, measurement errors and visits that simply do not buy. This distinction helps you choose useful measures and prepare an evidence-based query to Google.
SignalWhat changed and when
ContextWhere it happens
EvidenceWhat supports the concern
Quick answer
What is advertising fraud?
It is deceptive activity intended to generate or attribute advertising interactions without genuine interest. Invalid traffic is a broader concept and can also include accidental clicks. Not every short visit or lost enquiry is fraud. Review the pattern, measurement and commercial quality before reaching a conclusion.
Signals that need context
Forms and opportunities
Inconsistent data or repeated submissions need review. Validate receipt, duplicates and response outcomes. An unqualified contact can be genuine; define criteria before classifying it as false.
Differences that do not prove fraud
Clicks and sessions are different measures. Consent, tagging, page loading and filtering can affect recording. Compare definitions and periods before attributing a discrepancy to bots.
Interactive plan
Which signal have you found?
Choose a starting point. This planner does not detect bots or access your logs.
Locate the activity
Compare dates, campaigns, queries, locations and devices. Review coverage changes and invalid clicks. Retain the period's data and explain which pattern looks unusual.
Before launch
Evidence for an organised review
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Our approach
How to act on evidence
Record the pattern
Retain the period and source of the signals without drawing premature conclusions.
Check other causes
Review campaign, measurement, page and sales-response changes.
Submit a supported query
If concerns remain, check Google's current investigation process and provide only relevant data through the appropriate channel.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Is a click without a sale invalid?
No. Someone may compare offers without buying. Context is needed to distinguish low conversion from invalid activity.
Does Google refund every suspicious amount?
Suspicion does not guarantee an adjustment. Google filters what it identifies and may apply later credits where appropriate and possible.
Does a third-party report prove my loss?
Not by itself. It may include interactions already filtered by Google or use different criteria. Reconcile definitions and billing.
Will blocking an IP solve the problem?
It is not a universal solution. An address may be shared and activity may change origin. Assess measures compatible with the campaign and check their effect.
Official documentation
Google Ads · Invalid trafficGoogle Ads · Click and session discrepancies
Explore further
Organise a review of traffic and enquiries
We check measurement, patterns and commercial quality to determine the next step.