When your Google Ads or Google Merchant Center account gets suspended, bringing in an expert can be the fastest path to getting back online. But choosing the wrong agency can cost you time, money, and potentially your advertising privileges permanently.
Here are seven critical red flags to watch for when selecting a suspension recovery agency.
1. Guaranteed Reinstatement
This is the biggest red flag of all. Any agency guaranteeing they can reinstate your account is making a promise they cannot keep.
Why? Because only Google has final authority over your account status. No third-party agency can force Google’s hand, no matter how experienced they are.
What legitimate agencies can offer is a money-back guarantee: a commitment to refund part of their fee if they’re unsuccessful. This shows confidence in their process without making impossible promises.
2. Zero Refundable Fees
Speaking of guarantees, be wary of agencies with no “skin in the game.”
When an agency charges 100% upfront with no refundable portion, they have little financial incentive to work hard once they have your money.
Look for agencies that structure their pricing with a success fee or refundable component. This means they only get paid in full when you get results. This alignment of incentives ensures they’ll give your case the attention it deserves.
3. Few Positive Reviews or Case Studies
Trust, but verify. An agency’s track record speaks volumes about their ability to deliver results.
Don’t just read the cherry-picked testimonials on their website. Dig deeper:
- Check Google reviews, Trustpilot, and industry forums
- Look for detailed case studies with specific outcomes
- Note the recency of reviews (recent success matters more than wins from years ago)
One or two negative reviews aren’t necessarily disqualifying: Suspensions are stressful, and frustrated clients aren’t uncommon. But a pattern of complaints or a suspiciously sparse review history should give you pause.
4. Lack of Transparency About Their Process
If an agency claims Google is a “black box” and refuses to explain their methodology, walk away.
Professional suspension recovery involves four clear components:
- Account audit – Reviewing your Google Ads account for policy violations, billing mismatches, user permission issues, and other triggers
- Website audit – Examining your site for policy violations or elements that undermine Google’s trust
- Digital footprint audit – Investigating your broader online presence for red flags that may concern Google
- Appeals process – Crafting strategic appeals and navigating Google’s reinstatement procedures
Yes, this work requires expertise, experience, and pattern recognition. But none of it is so secretive that it can’t be explained to you. A legitimate agency should be transparent about what they’re doing and why.
5. Not a Google Premier Partner
Google’s Premier Partner status represents the highest tier in their partner program for advertising agencies. While non-Premier Partners can certainly help with suspensions, Premier Partners offer distinct advantages:
- Validation – Google has vetted them, so you’re not dealing with an unknown operator
- Reputation – They’ve built a long-term relationship with Google and won’t risk it with shady tactics
- Advanced support – They often have access to escalation paths and support teams unavailable to others
If you’re choosing between agencies with similar expertise and pricing, Premier Partner status can be the deciding factor.
6. High-Pressure Sales Tactics
Account suspension puts you in a vulnerable position. Your revenue stream may be cut off, or your entire business could be at risk. Ethical agencies understand this and approach sales conversations with empathy.
Red flags in the sales process include:
- Artificial urgency (“Sign up by Friday for 20% off!”)
- Reluctance to answer detailed questions about their process
- Pushy behavior that prioritizes closing the deal over understanding your situation
How an agency treats you during sales is often how they’ll treat you as a client. Trust your instincts.
7. Slow or Inconsistent Communication
If an agency can’t respond promptly during the sales process—when they’re most motivated to win your business—don’t expect communication to improve after they have your money.
Pay attention to:
- How quickly they respond to your initial inquiries
- Whether they answer your questions thoroughly or deflect
- Their willingness to schedule calls at times that work for you
- The clarity and professionalism of their written communication
Strong communication during sales is a reliable predictor of the client experience you’ll receive.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right agency to resolve your Google Ads suspension can mean the difference between getting back online quickly and losing your advertising privileges permanently.
Watch for these red flags, ask tough questions, and don’t let urgency push you into a bad decision. The right agency will be transparent, communicative, and invested in your success—with pricing and processes that prove it
Need more guidance on fixing Google Ads suspensions? StubGroup offers hundreds of free videos and step-by-step guides to help advertisers navigate the reinstatement process.
