Google Ads Help: Dealing with Unauthorised Charges on Your Account

A Complete Guide for Business Owners

If you're a business owner actively investing in Google Ads, encountering unauthorised charges can be a troubling experience. Google Ads is an essential tool for driving traffic, generating leads, and ultimately boosting revenue. But what happens when you notice charges on your account that you didn't authorise? Understanding the steps to identify and resolve these charges is crucial to maintaining the integrity of your financial resources and the security of your Google Ads account. This detailed guide will walk you through the process to safeguard your business from unauthorised charges.

Part 1: Recognising and Acting on Unauthorised Charges

Unauthorised Charges: What Should You Do First?

Unauthorised charges can be a serious issue, potentially disrupting your marketing budget and affecting overall business operations. Here’s how to act quickly and efficiently:

1. Check Your Account
   Log into your Google Ads account and verify your billing information. Ensure your current payment method is accurate and up to date. Outdated or incorrect details can sometimes lead to confusion and suspected unauthorised transactions.
2. Verify Charges
   Thoroughly review your account activity. Scrutinise recent charges and cross-match them with your scheduled campaigns. This step is vital for pinpointing discrepancies or identifying suspicious transactions.
3. Contact Support
   If you identify an unaccounted-for charge, contact Google Ads support immediately. Google offers support via phone, chat, and email. The sooner you reach out, the faster the issue can be addressed.
4. Provide Detailed Information
   When contacting support, be ready to provide specific details, such as transaction dates, amounts, and other relevant information. A comprehensive overview will facilitate quicker resolution.
5. Account Security
   Secure your account to prevent future unauthorised charges. Use strong, complex passwords and enable two-factor authentication for added protection. Regularly update your security settings to minimise risks.
6. Monitor Activity
   Set up alerts or notifications to monitor your Google Ads account activity regularly. Staying proactive helps ensure your account remains secure and free from unauthorised transactions.

Part 2: Preventive Measures and Best Practices for Future Security

To protect your business from ongoing threats of unauthorised charges, proactive measures are essential. Here are additional steps to bolster your Google Ads account security:

1. Stay Vigilant
   Even after resolving an issue, continue to monitor for potential unauthorised transactions. Periodically repeat verification steps to detect any new discrepancies.
2. Update Billing Information
   Routinely check that your billing details and payment methods are up-to-date and accurate. This practice ensures financial integrity and quick detection of errors.
3. Regularly Review Charges
   Make it a habit to review your account activity weekly. Cross-reference charges with your budget and campaign schedules to spot any unusual activity early.
4. Maintain Support Communication
   If new unauthorised charges appear, contact Google Ads support promptly. Keep a record of prior communications to expedite future resolution processes.
5. Detailed Records
   Maintain comprehensive records of all issues and resolutions involving unauthorised charges. This documentation assists support teams in understanding and resolving problems quickly.
6. Strengthen Security
   Revisit your password strength, security questions, and two-factor authentication settings regularly. Educate your team about safe online practices to ensure collective account security.
7. Leverage Monitoring Tools
   Use automated tools or third-party services that provide real-time alerts for account activity. These tools can quickly identify and address unauthorised entries.

Managing Google Ads Account Effectively With Expert Help

Google Ads can be complex and time-consuming, especially with the added stress of monitoring for unauthorised charges. Partnering with a professional digital marketing agency can provide peace of mind and robust management for your advertising efforts.

Don’t let unauthorised charges hamper your business growth. Safeguard your Google Ads account with expert support from Bobo Digital. Visit Bobo Digital to learn more about how we can help you secure and optimise your Google Ads strategy for maximum impact.

By following these guidelines and seeking professional help when necessary, you can protect your business from unauthorised charges and make the most of your Google Ads investment. Let’s future-proof your digital marketing efforts together.