Google Ads Policy Suspensions: How to Appeal and Get Your Account Back (2024)

"Your account has been suspended for Circumventing Systems." This email gives marketing managers a heart attack. It sounds like you committed a crime. Usually, it's just a bot making a mistake.

This guide outlines the Appeal Protocol we use to recover accounts.

Part 1: The "Big Three" Reasons

1. Suspicious Payments (The Bot Filter)

• Cause: You used a credit card that matches a different name/address than your Google Account, or the card was previously used on a banned account.
• The Fix: Do not change cards. It looks more suspicious.
• Appeal: Provide a bank statement (redact the numbers) showing the charge. Prove you are the owner.

2. Circumventing Systems (The Catch-All)

• Cause: This is vague. It usually means Malicious Software on your site, cloaking, or trying to open a new account after being banned.
• The Fix: Scan your site for malware (Wordpress plugins are notorious).
• Appeal: "We have scanned our site with [Tool]. We found a malicious plugin and removed it. We have implemented a firewall. Please review."

3. Misrepresentation

• Cause: Missing contact info, fake countdown timers, or making claims you can't prove ("Cure Cancer in 3 Days").
• The Fix: Add a physical address and phone number to your footer. Remove all "Guarantees" from headlines.

Part 2: The Appeal Script

Do not write an angry email. Do not say "I spend $10k/month!" (Google doesn't care). Be clinical.

Template:

"Dear Google Ads Team,

Issue: Account Suspended for Circumventing Systems. Root Cause Analysis: We identified that our Wordpress plugin [Name] was injecting a redirect code. Correction: We have removed the plugin (see screenshot). We scanned the site with Sucuri (clean report attached). Prevention: We have installed Wordfence to prevent future issues.

We value our relationship with Google and strive for 100% compliance. Please review."

Part 3: Advertiser Verification (The New Standard)

Most suspensions today are actually just forced Identity Verification.

• Google wants front/back of ID and Business Incorporation Documents.
• Action: Submit these immediately. It usually lifts the ban in 24 hours.

Summary

• Don't open a new account. That is the definition of "Circumventing". You will be banned for life.
• Fix the site first. The appeal is useless if the malware is still there.
• Be professional. The support rep is a human. Treat them with respect.