Invalid clicks are clicks generated by prohibited methods. Examples of invalid clicks may include repeated manual clicking or the use of robots, automated clicking tools, or other deceptive software. Invalid clicks are sometimes intended to artificially and/or maliciously drive up an advertiser's clicks and or a publisher's earnings. Sources of invalid clicks may include:
- Manual clicks intended to increase your advertising costs or to increase profits for website owners hosting your ads.
- Clicks by automated tools, robots, or other deceptive software.
Google closely monitor these and other scenarios to help protect advertisers from receiving invalid clicks.