Stay ahead of the game

Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest digital marketing strategies and insights for the month ahead, delivered straight to your inbox!

    How to Fix A Google Ads ‘Suspicious Payments’ Issue

    Ad PlatformsAdvertising PoliciesGoogle AdsPPCPPC Basics

    If you use Google Ads, you may come across a “suspicious payments” issue at some point. This can be caused by several factors such as fraud, incorrect billing information, or unexpected account activity. It’s frustrating to deal with, but don’t panic! In this article, we’ll explore what causes the suspicious payments issue, steps to resolve it, and measures to prevent it from happening again.

    Table of Contents

    Open Google agency account

    Understanding the ‘Suspicious Payments’ Issue in Google Ads

    If you see a “suspicious payments” message in your Google Ads account, it means that Google has detected unusual activity on your account. One or more payments have been flagged as suspicious, and Google has temporarily stopped serving ads until you resolve the issue. This can have a significant impact on your advertising campaign, so it’s essential to act quickly.

    It’s important to note that the “suspicious payments” message does not necessarily mean that you have done anything wrong. It could be a result of fraudulent activity, incorrect billing information, or unusual account activity. Regardless of the reason, it’s crucial to take immediate action to resolve the issue and get your ads back up and running.

    Common Reasons for Suspicious Payments

    There are various reasons why Google might flag a payment as suspicious. The most common include:

    • Fraudulent activity, such as using a stolen credit card
    • Incorrect billing information, such as an expired credit card or insufficient funds
    • Unusual account activity, such as a sudden increase in spend or changes to account settings

    It’s important to regularly check your billing information and account activity to ensure that everything is up to date and accurate. This can help prevent any issues with suspicious payments and ensure that your ads continue to run smoothly.

    How Google Identifies Suspicious Payments

    Google has advanced fraud detection systems that track every payment and analyze it for suspicious behavior. Google looks for patterns in payment methods, account activity, and buying behavior. If any payment does not meet Google’s payment criteria, it will flag it as suspicious and stop serving ads until the issue is resolved.

    It’s important to remember that Google’s fraud detection systems are designed to protect both advertisers and users from fraudulent activity. While it can be frustrating to have your ads temporarily stopped, it’s ultimately for the benefit of everyone involved.

    If you do receive a “suspicious payments” message, it’s important to act quickly and follow Google’s instructions to resolve the issue. This can help minimize the impact on your advertising campaign and get your ads back up and running as soon as possible.

    Steps to Resolve the ‘Suspicious Payments’ Issue

    Are you facing the ‘Suspicious Payments’ issue on your Google Ads account? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Follow the steps mentioned below to resolve the issue and get your account back on track.

    Verify Your Billing Information

    The first step to resolve the ‘Suspicious Payments’ issue is to confirm that your billing information is correct. It’s essential to keep your payment methods up-to-date and accurate to avoid any payment-related problems.

    Go to your Google Ads account and check your payment methods. Ensure that all details, such as credit card number and expiration date, are up-to-date and accurate. Also, make sure that your payment method has enough balance to cover your account’s outstanding balance.

    It’s also a good idea to check if your billing address is correct. Sometimes, a minor mistake in the billing address can cause payment issues.

    Contact Your Bank or Credit Card Provider

    If you’re confident that your payment information is correct, it may be best to contact your bank or credit card provider. They can help you check the status of your payment method and verify that there are no technical issues.

    It’s essential to inform your bank or credit card provider that you’re using the payment method for Google Ads. Sometimes, banks and credit card providers block payments to Google Ads due to security reasons. By informing them, you can avoid any unnecessary payment blocks.

    If your bank or credit card provider finds nothing wrong, you can contact Google Ads Support for further assistance.

    Check for Unusual Activity on Your Account

    If you’ve verified your billing information and your payment method, it’s possible that there has been unusual account activity.

    Check if there have been any sudden changes to your account settings or billing information. Hackers can gain access to your account and make unauthorized changes.

    You can also review the payment history to find any inconsistencies. If you find anything suspicious, contact Google Ads Support for further assistance.

    It’s essential to keep your account secure by enabling two-factor authentication and regularly changing your password.

    By following these steps, you can resolve the ‘Suspicious Payments’ issue and ensure that your Google Ads account is secure and up-to-date.

    Preventing Future ‘Suspicious Payments’ Issues

    Once you’ve resolved your suspicious payments issue, it’s essential to take measures to prevent it from happening again. Some steps you can take include:

    Implement Strong Security Measures

    Take necessary steps to secure your account, such as using two-factor authentication, updating your password regularly, and monitoring your account activity. If you have multiple users on your account, ensure that they follow the same security protocols.

    Monitor Your Google Ads Account Regularly

    Monitor your account regularly to check for any unusual activity. Review your payment history, account settings, and campaign performance regularly to ensure everything looks fine. If you notice anything unusual, take action immediately.

    Keep Your Billing Information Up-to-Date

    Ensure that your billing information is up-to-date, so you don’t run into issues with payment rejections or suspicious payments. Update information promptly if there are any changes, such as new credit card numbers or expiration dates.

    Open Google agency account

    Contacting Google Ads Support for Assistance

    How to Reach Google Ads Support

    If you’re unable to resolve your suspicious payments issue, you can contact Google Ads Support by going to the help menu in your account and clicking on the “Contact us” button. You’ll be given a few options, and you can select the most appropriate one for your situation.

    Information to Provide When Contacting Support

    When contacting support, ensure that you provide all necessary account details, such as your customer ID, payment method, and a brief summary of your issue. Be specific about what you need help with, and provide any relevant screenshots or evidence to support your case.

    What to Expect from Google Ads Support

    Once you’ve contacted Google Ads Support, you can expect prompt assistance from the team. They will review your account and payment history to identify the issue and provide straightforward steps to resolve it. You may also receive guidance on preventing future issues with suspicious payments.

    Conclusion

    A “suspicious payments” issue in Google Ads doesn’t have to spell disaster for your campaigns. By identifying the root cause, taking swift corrective action, and implementing proactive security measures, you can not only resolve the issue but also future-proof your account against similar setbacks. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity to fine-tune your advertising strategy and strengthen your business operations.

    Looking to take your Google Ads campaigns to the next level while avoiding costly suspensions? Media Blast is the ultimate solution for streamlining your ad management, ensuring compliance, and boosting your results.

    Share this article
    Back to top