The Google Ads refund report
The refund report exports your invalid-click data in a form you can attach to a Google Ads invalid-traffic claim. Be clear on what it is not: Google does not refund the click that triggered detection. The value of click-fraud protection is preventing the repeat clicks, with the refund claim as a secondary recovery.
Google does not refund the triggering click
When a fraudulent click happens, you are charged for it. No click-fraud tool can reverse that, and any vendor implying otherwise is overselling. What protection does is stop that source from clicking again — and give you evidence for a claim on traffic Google itself may agree was invalid.
How the model actually works
A fraudulent click happens and is charged
Detection is after the fact by definition — the visitor has to arrive before they can be scored.
The source is blocked and excluded
This is where the money is saved. A source that would have clicked twenty more times now clicks zero more times.
The evidence is collected
Every blocked click is recorded with its threat score, classification, campaign and timing.
You file an invalid-traffic claim
The refund report packages that evidence for submission to Google.
Generating the report
Open Tools → Refund report for the website, choose your date range, and export. The report covers the invalid clicks detected in that period, with the detail Google expects to see in a claim.
What to expect
Google runs its own invalid-traffic detection and issues credits at its own discretion. A well-evidenced claim is stronger than an unevidenced one, but the outcome is Google's decision, not ours. Treat any credit as a bonus on top of the prevented spend — which is the reliable saving.
Also worth looking at
The Protection Value Report quantifies the spend you avoided rather than the spend you might recover. For most accounts that is the larger and more dependable number. See Tools and reports.
Frequently asked questions
How much will Google refund?
That is entirely Google's decision and varies case by case. We cannot promise an amount, and we would be suspicious of anyone who does.
How often should I file a claim?
Monthly is a reasonable rhythm for most advertisers — often enough to stay within Google's review windows, infrequent enough to be worth the effort.
Does filing a claim risk my account?
No. Invalid-traffic claims are a normal, supported part of Google Ads.
Related articles
Tools and reports
The refund report, protection value report, keyword and search-term opportunities, ad copy help and AI traffic analysis.
IP exclusion sync
How blocked IPs are pushed into your Google Ads exclusion lists automatically, and how to audit what was excluded and when.
Automatic blocking
Turn detection into action — how auto-blocking works, what it does on each platform, and how long blocks last.