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How to Reverse a Google Ads Account Suspension for Suspicious Payments
Getting a Google Ads account suspension for suspicious payments can come as a major shock. One day your campaigns are thriving, leads are growing and sales are good. Then bang—your whole business comes to a halt and you don’t know when it will come online again. What adds to the pain is that Google usually hands out these suspensions without warning and no timeline for when it will be reversed. Every marketer knows that time is of the essence to get sales going again. We put together a list of steps you can take to get your suspension reversed and prevent this from happening again.
Table of Contents
Why Google Flags “Suspicious Payments”
Google’s payment policy is designed to protect users and advertisers alike from fraud. While this makes the platform safer, it sometimes leads to misinterpretations of legitimate activity as suspicious. Here are common reasons for suspensions over suspicious payments:
- Irregular Payment Methods
If you’re using a payment method that has been linked to multiple accounts or is associated with suspicious activity, Google’s system might flag it. Even using a credit card with an unusual payment history or high-risk indicators can trigger a suspension. - Frequent Changes to Payment Details
Consistency in payment details helps establish a trusted account profile. However, if you’ve been swapping between credit cards, addresses, or billing info, Google may perceive this as suspicious. - Use of VPNs or Multiple Locations
Accessing your Google Ads account from various locations, especially through VPNs, can make it appear as though different people are managing the account, raising red flags for security. - Automated Payment Security Checks
Google’s system performs automated checks that may identify patterns associated with fraudulent behavior. This could mean multiple failed transactions, flagged credit cards, or other details that may appear irregular to their algorithm.
Steps to Reverse a Suspension
If your account was suspended for suspicious payments, follow these steps to appeal and reinstate it:
- Review Google’s Suspension Notice Carefully
Google will send a notification detailing the reason for the suspension, though the message might be vague. Check the wording to verify it’s related to “suspicious payments.” This helps you identify what to address in your appeal. - Audit Your Payment Information
Go through your payment information carefully to ensure everything is consistent and accurate. Verify that your payment method, billing address, and account details all match. If there are any inconsistencies, correct them immediately before you appeal. - Prepare and Submit an Appeal
Start your appeal by visiting the Google Ads support page. Be as detailed as possible, explaining your situation and the steps you’ve taken to verify your information and comply with Google’s policies. Here’s a template to guide you:Example Appeal Template:
“Hello Google Support,
My account was recently suspended for ‘suspicious payments.’ I have reviewed and updated my payment details to ensure accuracy and consistency. Attached are documents verifying my identity and business legitimacy. Please consider my appeal as I am committed to upholding Google’s policies and maintaining a trusted advertiser relationship.” - Provide Supporting Documentation
Google takes account security seriously, so submit any documents that verify your legitimacy. This might include your business registration, identification, or bank statement showing legitimate payment activity. Adding these documents can speed up the review process. - Wait Patiently, But Be Proactive if Needed
Google’s response time can vary, so give them a few days to review your case. If you don’t receive feedback within a week, consider following up politely to show you’re invested in resolving the issue. Reaching out regularly can sometimes encourage faster resolution without overwhelming Google support. - Avoid Attempting to Create a New Account
Creating a new account while waiting for your appeal might be tempting, but avoid it. Google could interpret this as an attempt to bypass suspension, which may lead to further penalties or even a permanent suspension. Stick with the appeal process for the best results.
Tips for Avoiding Future Suspensions
Once you’ve restored your account, here are some strategies to help you maintain a positive standing with Google Ads:
- Keep Payment Methods Consistent
Whenever possible, use a single, verified payment method dedicated to your Google Ads account. Avoid switching credit cards or payment types frequently, as this stability helps build trust with Google. - Ensure Billing Information is Accurate
Small discrepancies, like misspellings in your billing address or mismatched details, can lead to red flags. Check that your account and payment information align with your business details to avoid inadvertent flags. - Limit VPN Use and Login Locations
Access your Google Ads account from a consistent device and IP address to reduce the chance of triggering Google’s security system. If you need to log in while traveling or from a different device, limit this activity and consider alerting Google support if necessary. - Regularly Monitor Account Performance and Payment Alerts
Watch for any alerts or notifications in your Google Ads dashboard. These can provide early warnings if there’s a potential issue, allowing you to address it proactively.
Wrapping Up
Reversing a suspension for suspicious payments can be challenging, but it’s achievable with the right steps. Reviewing your payment details, submitting a clear appeal, and providing supporting documents can help you regain control of your campaigns. Staying proactive and following Google’s guidelines can also minimize the risk of future suspensions, keeping your ads running smoothly.
If you want to ensure that your Google Ads campaigns keep running smoothly without disruption, check out Media Blast. This platform streamlines account-creating, overseeing multiple accounts, and most importantly, prevents account suspensions. Sign up today and make sure your campaigns keep running smoothly!
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