🛍️Google Ads Diagnostic PlaybookVerified October 2026

Merchant Center: How to Fix Misrepresentation Account Suspension

Exact Error Message:Account suspended due to policy violation: Misrepresentation of self or product

Why This Error Occurs (Root Cause Analysis)

Google Merchant Center detects discrepancies between your store and merchant policies, such as missing return/refund policies, hidden shipping fees, generic contact addresses, or unrealistic claims.

Step-by-Step Resolution Guide

Follow these verified steps in sequence to isolate and eliminate the error condition:

1
Publish comprehensive policy pages in your footer: Return & Refund Policy (with clear timeframes and restocking fees), Shipping Policy (with transit times and costs), Terms of Service, and Privacy Policy.
2
Display physical business address, verified telephone number, and official corporate email matching domain in the footer and Contact page.
3
Ensure product pricing, currency, and stock availability on landing pages match Google Merchant Center product feed data exactly.
4
Verify domain ownership in Merchant Center via Google Search Console and request a re-review only after all policies are published.

Prevention Checklist & Operational Standards

🛡️ How to Permanently Prevent Recurrence

Conduct quarterly audits of product pricing, checkout shipping rates, and legal footer links to ensure 100% policy adherence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does resolving this error risk permanent data loss?

No. Following the diagnostic steps outlined above resolves configuration, calculation limits, or authorization credentials without altering underlying raw source datasets or historical records.

How long does Google take to propagate resolved DNS or IAM changes?

Google Cloud IAM permissions propagate globally within 60 to 120 seconds. DNS changes (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) can take between 15 minutes and 24 hours depending on the TTL configured at your domain registrar.

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