How to File a Bot Traffic Refund Claim with Google

1. Detect the bot traffic

Start by using a specialized detection tool that flags non‑human click patterns such as ghost clicks, honeypot traps, robotic mouse movements, super‑fast input (<1 ms), and grid‑aligned paths. These signals indicate bot activity that inflates your ad spend.

2. Gather supporting evidence

Export the flagged sessions, including timestamps, IP addresses, click‑through URLs, and the behavioral metrics that triggered the alerts. Google requires concrete data that shows the clicks could not have been performed by a real user.

3. Open a refund dispute in Google Ads

1. Log into your Google Ads account and navigate to the Help → Contact us section.
2. Select Billing → Dispute a charge and choose the campaign(s) affected.
3. Upload the evidence package you collected and describe why you believe the clicks are fraudulent.

Google will review the submission, may request additional logs, and will respond with a decision.

4. Follow up and negotiate

If Google’s initial response is inconclusive, you can appeal the decision, providing any extra data (e.g., server logs, third‑party verification). Persistence often leads to a partial or full refund.

5. Receive the refund

Once Google validates the claim, the disputed amount is credited back to your payment method or applied to future ad spend.