If you’ve experienced PPC lead fraud, you know how frustrating it can be.
The good news? You don’t have to fight it alone. From free settings to advanced platforms, there are powerful tools available to help you detect, block, and recover from fraudulent traffic.
Here’s how to take control of your PPC campaigns and stop wasting money on fake clicks.
1. Google Ads Settings That Help
Before you invest in external tools, make sure you’re getting the most from your ad platform’s built-in defenses.
- IP exclusions: Block IP addresses that repeatedly click your ads without converting.
- Geotargeting: Restrict ad delivery to your real service area.
- Ad scheduling: Run ads only during business hours to avoid late-night bot traffic.
- Click reports: Monitor your “Invalid Clicks” metrics in Google Ads.
2. Form Protection Tools
Fake leads often enter through your forms—so harden your defenses there, too.
- Google reCAPTCHA v3: Adds invisible bot protection with scoring.
- Honeypot fields: Hidden fields that bots fill out, but humans don’t.
- Double opt-ins: Email confirmation steps help screen out fake submissions.
3. Click Fraud Detection Platforms
Several companies specialize in detecting and stopping click fraud at the source. These platforms integrate with your Google or Microsoft Ads account and use machine learning to analyze behavior in real time.
Top-rated tools include:
- ClickCease
- Lunio (formerly PPC Protect)
- CHEQ Essentials
- Spider AF
These tools can:
- Automatically block suspicious IPs
- Identify bot patterns
- Show you exactly how much spend was protected
- Help you submit refund claims to ad platforms
4. Lead Verification Tools
If lead quality is your main issue, consider tools that validate contact info before it hits your CRM.
- NeverBounce or ZeroBounce for email hygiene
- Telesign or Twilio Verify for phone number validation
- Jornaya or TrustedForm for proof of consent on lead forms
5. Traffic Pattern Monitoring
Use Google Analytics (GA4), Clarity, or Hotjar to:
- Spot unusual user behavior (rapid clicks, no scrolling, low engagement)
- Detect geographic anomalies
- Compare session quality between campaigns
6. Work With a Fraud-Savvy Agency
A trusted marketing partner can help you:
- Set up prevention tools
- Monitor campaigns in real-time
- Analyze suspicious traffic patterns
- Handle ad platform refund processes
Look for an agency that includes fraud protection in its reporting—not one that shrugs it off.
The tools are out there. You just need the right setup—and the right people—to use them.
In our next post, we’ll break down the latest fraud trends and what to watch for in 2025.
Read next: The Latest Trends in PPC Fraud (And What to Watch in 2025)
Or go back: The Real Cost of Fake Leads
iQuarius Media helps small businesses build smarter campaigns and stop wasting money on fake traffic. Book a free audit to see where fraud may be slipping through.
