.png)
You're likely well aware of the click fraud problem on Google Ads. Unfortunately however, it’s alive and well on Microsoft’s ad network too. If you’re running campaigns on Microsoft Ads (formerly Bing Ads), you may be unknowingly losing hundreds or even thousands of dollars to fake clicks from bots, competitors, or dishonest publishers. What’s worse: many advertisers assume Bing is “safer” because of its smaller market share — but that lower visibility actually makes it a prime target for fraudulent activity.
As click fraud becomes more sophisticated, Microsoft Ads users are seeing spikes in bounce rates, unnatural traffic patterns, and shockingly low conversions — all signs that their budgets are being siphoned off by non-human or malicious activity. Even when advertisers raise concerns, the process to confirm and refund those losses can be slow, unclear, or inconsistent.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Bing click fraud, including:
✅ How to spot the red flags of invalid traffic in your Bing campaigns
🔒 Manual and automated ways to protect your budget from click fraud
📊 Real-world case studies and community insights from Reddit and Microsoft forums
💰 Step-by-step instructions to request a refund from Microsoft Ads
🚀 How tools like SpiderAF can offer intelligent, cross-platform protection — not just for Google, but Bing too
Whether you’re managing a $500/month campaign or a six-figure spend across multiple clients, this article will give you the tools, strategies, and resources you need to stop wasting money on fraudulent clicks.
Let’s dive in and take back control of your Bing Ads spend — every click should count.
What Is Bing Click Fraud and Why Is It a Growing Concern?
The Rise of Suspicious Activity on Microsoft Ads
While Bing's market share is smaller compared to Google, its ad network is not immune to fraudulent activities. In fact, the platform's lower visibility can make it an attractive target for fraudsters who exploit less scrutinized environments. Advertisers have reported unusual spikes in click-through rates (CTR) without corresponding conversions, indicating potential click fraud.
What Counts as Click Fraud on Bing? (Bots, Competitors, Publishers)
Click fraud on Bing can manifest in various forms:
- Automated Bots: Programs designed to mimic human behavior, clicking on ads to deplete budgets.
- Competitor Clicks: Rival businesses clicking on your ads to exhaust your advertising funds.
- Dishonest Publishers: Partners who generate fake clicks to increase their revenue share.
These fraudulent activities not only waste your budget but also skew your campaign analytics, making it challenging to assess true performance.
Insights from Marketers – What Users Are Reporting (Reddit + Microsoft Answers)
Marketers have shared their experiences on platforms like Reddit and Microsoft Answers, highlighting issues such as:
- Sudden increases in ad spend without a corresponding rise in leads.
- High bounce rates from specific geographic locations.
- Difficulty in obtaining refunds for suspected fraudulent clicks.
These reports underscore the importance of vigilance and proactive measures to combat click fraud on Bing.
How to Detect Bing Click Fraud Before It Costs You More
Warning Signs to Watch Out For (CTR Spikes, Bounce Rates, Geolocation, IPs)
Identifying click fraud early can save significant advertising dollars. Be alert for:
- Unusual CTR Spikes: Sudden increases without a change in campaign strategy.
- High Bounce Rates: Visitors leaving your site almost immediately after clicking the ad.
- Geolocation Anomalies: Traffic from regions outside your target audience.
- Repeated Clicks from the Same IP: Multiple clicks from a single IP address in a short time frame.
Using Bing Reports and Third-Party Detection Tools
Microsoft Ads provides built-in tools to detect click anomalies:
- Performance Reports: CTR, conversions, bounce rates
- Geographic Reports: Flag unexpected regions
- Search Terms: Reveal irrelevant or abusive traffic sources
For deeper analysis, use independent click fraud protection software that integrates with Bing Ads and provides detailed traffic behavior insights. Look for platforms offering real-time monitoring, IP analysis, and session duration scoring.
Case Studies: Real-World Patterns of Fraudulent Traffic
A 2023 study by Inceptly estimated over $81 billion in ad spend was lost to click fraud across Google and Microsoft Ads. In real-world PPC audits:
- Bot traffic spiked at night from data centers
- Bounce rates hit 98% from questionable IP ranges
- Conversions flatlined despite 3x increases in clicks
These patterns are common for unprotected campaigns.
How to Stop Click Fraud on Bing Ads (And Protect Your Budget)
Manual Strategies: IP Blocking, Geotargeting, and Negative Keywords
Simple steps advertisers can take manually:
- Block IPs flagged as suspicious
- Target by location to avoid fraud-heavy geos
- Use negative keywords to filter irrelevant queries
While effective short-term, manual tactics don’t scale well for high-volume campaigns or multi-account setups.
Advanced Tools for Automated Protection – Featuring SpiderAF
SpiderAF automates fraud prevention across Bing and other platforms. Key benefits:
- ✅ Real-time click fraud blocking
- ✅ Machine-learning driven traffic analysis
- ✅ Automated reporting for Microsoft refund claims
- ✅ Works across Google, Bing, Meta
It saves teams hours of auditing time and reduces spend loss dramatically.
Comparing Top Solutions: SpiderAF vs. ClickGUARD vs. Clixtell vs. Polygraph
How SpiderAF Protects Microsoft Ads Campaigns from Click Fraud
SpiderAF’s Microsoft Ads integration monitors each click as it happens. Its fraud detection engine evaluates:
- Click velocity
- Time on site
- Referrer integrity
- IP, user agent, and behavioral fingerprinting
If fraud is detected, SpiderAF can automatically block the source, send logs to Microsoft for reimbursement, and alert your team via dashboard or email.
Can You Get a Refund from Microsoft Ads for Click Fraud? Yes, Here's How
The Official Process to Request a Refund from Microsoft
- Gather Data: Collect logs, IPs, timestamps, and traffic patterns
- Open a Support Case: Use the Microsoft Ads contact form
- Submit Documentation: Include reports from Bing AND your fraud detection software
- Request an Investigation: Be specific about dates and suspected IPs
Tips to Build a Strong Case for Reimbursement
- Submit screenshots and exported logs
- Highlight timeframes with traffic anomalies
- Be professional, clear, and thorough
- Mention proactive prevention steps (e.g. using SpiderAF)
What to Expect from Microsoft’s Investigation Process
Most investigations are resolved within 10–14 days. Microsoft may:
- Credit suspicious clicks
- Deny requests that lack sufficient evidence
- Recommend blocking actions
Success rates are higher when you use external tools to back your claims.
Best Practices to Minimize the Risk of Bing Click Fraud Going Forward
Ongoing Monitoring and Campaign Adjustments
Set a weekly fraud check routine:
- Compare CTR vs. conversions
- Monitor geos, IPs, and bounce rates
Audit keyword reports and landing page sessions
Using SpiderAF for Continuous Protection and Reporting
SpiderAF keeps your Bing campaigns protected without manual effort:
- Real-time monitoring and blocking
- Threat detection dashboards
- Automatic refund report generation
- Cross-platform fraud intelligence
Stay Updated on Evolving Threats from Bots and Bad Publishers
Fraudsters constantly evolve. Stay ahead by:
- Following industry updates
- Watching Reddit threads on Bing Ads
- Participating in PPC communities
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Bing Click Fraud Drain Your Ad Budget
Take Immediate Action to Detect and Prevent Fraud
- Review your traffic reports regularly
- Filter IPs, geos, and keywords
- Use advanced fraud detection tools proactively
Leverage Tools Like SpiderAF to Automate Protection
SpiderAF offers:
- Algorithm-driven click filtering
Refund documentation - Seamless integration with Microsoft Ads
Be Proactive—Every Click Counts When You're Paying for It
Every invalid click cuts into your ROI. Take back control with visibility, protection, and automation.
📌 Summary: Protect Your Bing Ads with Smart Monitoring and SpiderAF
💡 Don’t let Bing click fraud eat into your budget — protect your campaigns with smart strategy and automated defense from SpiderAF.
.png)
