Click fraud (invalid clicks)

What is click fraud (invalid clicks)?

Click fraud is clicking on ads without real interest, for example by bots or with the aim of making an advertiser spend money. Google calls these invalid clicks, which also include accidental clicks. Google filters them automatically and in most cases credits them back, so you do not pay for them.

Why is click fraud important?

• Cost protection: Google filters invalid clicks and usually credits them back.
• Insight: you can see invalid clicks in your reporting.
• No panic: setting up blocks yourself without a measurement point can also exclude real customers.

Examples of click fraud

• A bot clicks hundreds of times on an installer’s ad: Google recognizes the pattern and filters the clicks.
• A competitor repeatedly clicks your ad to use up your budget.
• An accidental double click is counted as invalid.

How do you deal with click fraud?

Check the number of invalid clicks in your reporting and compare it with your total clicks. If you see a striking spike, look at source, search terms and times before you block anything. If in doubt, you can ask Google for an explanation. We help with Google Ads campaigns.